What’s going on in this year’s draft? Only 4 days remain before the draft kicks off in Wisconsin. Still, all 32 teams possess their first-round picks. None have even inquired about sending their all-elusive first-round pick. This lack of trades before the 2024 NFL draft only shows the solidness and fairly even upcoming draft class. Also, the lack of game-changers available at the top that can pry franchises to give up their first-round picks. Clubs aren’t willing to move up, nor are they willing to give up their existing spot. This stagnancy has now broken a 32-year record that saw Joe Montana move from the 49ers to the Chiefs.

It was 1993, and Montana hadn’t played a single snap the entire 1991 season and most of the 1992 campaign because of an elbow injury. Joe Cool finally came back to appear for the 1992 regular season finale vs the Lions. Stepping in to play the entire second half, Montana helped lead the 49ers to his final W. But it was already too late. Steve Young had established himself as the 49ers’ starter. And that remained untethered as the 49ers kept Young as the starter in the playoffs. As for Montana, his last game for the 49ers was against the Cowboys in the NFC Championship game.

With him now healthy, a rift developed in the locker room between Young and Montana. Steve didn’t want to play as a backup while Montana carried the same feelings. So, ultimately, after months of controversy and tug of war for the 49ers’ QB starting berth. It was Montana who chose to take a step back and ask for a trade. Instantly, it was the Kansas City Chiefs who inquired. They wanted a QB of a much higher ceiling than Steve DeBerg. That’s why Marty Schottenheimer and the Chiefs couldn’t pass on the opportunity to trade for the 4-time Super Bowl winner in exchange for their first-round pick in the 1993 draft.

As for Montana, his time in Kansas City may have only lasted two seasons. But his impact was historic. Under Montana, the Chiefs won their first division title in 22 years. Prior to Joe Montana’s arrival, the Chiefs had only won one playoff game since their Super Bowl IV victory. But under his command, the Chiefs made it to the AFC conference game. Although they couldn’t reach the Super Bowl, the first-round pick the Chiefs had given to the 49ers had already been paid.

Maybe a player like Montana’s stature is not available; that’s why the franchises are sticking to their draft capital. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported, “Now that the NFL draft is four days away, this is the closest to the start of it that there have been no trades for first-round picks in the Common Draft Era. The Joe Montana trade in 1993 came five days before the draft; this year now has surpassed that.” Judging by the vibe before the draft, it’s unlikely any first-round trade will happen.

But obviously, you can’t rule out a draft-night trade from taking place. There’s a massive chance of us getting at least a few first-round trades on the first night of the 2025 NFL draft.

New Orleans Saints could be the first one to trade their first-round selection

This year’s questionable QB class is one of the reasons behind the lack of trade activity. Titans have appeared to lock in on Cam Ward with their No.1 overall. As for Shedeur Sanders, his draft stock is difficult to predict right now. What was among the top 5 is now getting shouts of a possible draft slide. Others, like Jalen Milroe, Jaxson Dart, and Tyler Shough, have also garnered interest. But the real question is, will any team really pivot up to select them? There’s only one franchise who are almost certain to move up if certain things go their way.

Saints have a massive QB problem right now. Derek Carr’s shoulder injury has rattled their QB plans for the new season. So, in order to get a worthy QB the Saints could move up. Considering the Browns or the Giants don’t pick Sanders, you shouldn’t be surprised if the Saints move up to capture him. Over the last 15 years, the first team to trade up have always gone to pick an offensive player. Last year, it was the Vikings picking JJ McCarthy at No.10.

So, the Saints are the ones you need to keep an eye out for. In the last 24 straight drafts, there’s been at least one team who have traded within the top 15 picks. This means the Saints will either continue this trend or break it once the 2025 NFL draft kicks off in Green Bay. What’s happening before this year’s draft might be rare, but it doesn’t mean draft night won’t be wild—that’s for sure.