The Saints feverishly started calling teams that were still on the board. They offered to trade them their 2021 sixth-round draft pick in exchange for their late seventh-round selection. They received two takers: Minnesota at No. 244 and Houston at 240. The Saints took the Texans deal around 5:15 p.m and quickly notified the league office.
At the same time, Payton fired off a text to {Joe] Brady: “Not so fast.”
Then he shot one back to Stevens and Baker: “I’m tired of asking. Now, I’m taking.”
Seconds later, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced the trade on the network TV broadcast, followed by the Saints’ selection of Stevens with the No. 240 overall pick in the seventh round.
Stevens and Baker undoubtedly were stunned, as were, I’m sure, Brady and the Panthers.