The Saints coveted running back Beanie Wells in last April's NFL Draft.
"Beanie is someone we really liked coming out of Ohio State and we made a number of attempts, in fact, to try to trade back into Round 1 to select him," New Orleans coach Sean Payton said. "It's always interesting to see your grades, your grade on rookies, first- and second-year guys, to see how they go on and play.
"He's certainly one of the young players that's going to have a great career in this league and is playing well already."
Instead, Wells landed with the Cardinals, who lost to the Saints on Saturday in the divisional round of the postseason.
Saints Wanted Beanie Wells In Draft