QB Cole Payton Met With Eagles, Jets, Cardinals
Although he spent four of his five North Dakota State seasons as a backup, some NFL teams consider left-handed quarterback Cole Payton an intriguing developmental prospect going into the draft. It was already known Payton visited the Steelers and Colts in recent weeks. He also “met extensively with” the Eagles, Jets and Cardinals, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 reports.
North Dakota State has produced two first-round signal-callers: Carson Wentz (second overall in 2016) and Trey Lance (third in 2021). While Wentz had his moments as a starter earlier in his career, he has settled in as a journeyman backup. Lance was a major disappointment as the 49ers’ starter, but he has joined Wentz in sticking around the league as a reserve. Unlike Wentz and Lance, Payton will not face the pressure of living up to first-round billing. Payton could still be a relatively high selection, though, as he told Greg Auman of Fox Sports last week that he expects to hear his name on Day 2. If accurate, that would give Payton a third-round floor.
“Obviously, there are some teams that have higher grades on you, some teams that have lower grades on you, so you really never know at the end of the day,” Payton said. “But that’s what we’re planning on. … This has been a blast. It’s what you dream about as a kid.”
As part of a quarterback class that features just one clear-cut first-rounder (Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza), Dane Brugler of The Athletic ranks Payton as the fifth-best option available. ESPN’s Scouts Inc. has him seventh at his position and 153rd among all prospects.
Payton attempted a meager 58 passes over his first four college seasons, but the Bison used the 6-foot-3, 233-pounder as a weapon in the running game. In 2023, his most productive season in that capacity, Payton amassed 615 yards on 84 carries (7.3 per tote) and found the end zone 13 times.
Quarterback Cam Miller (now with the Dolphins) left NDSU for the NFL last spring, clearing the way for Payton to finally grab the reins. He seized the opportunity during a 29-touchdown campaign in which he threw for 16 scores, ran for another 13 and led his team to a 12-1 record. Payton completed 72% of passes on 12.1 yards per attempt, tossed just four interceptions, and piled up 777 rushing yards (5.7 YPC) on 136 carries. He continued demonstrating his athleticism at the Combine, where he ran the third-fastest 40-yard dash among QBs (4.56).
While Brugler notes that NFL teams considered Payton a potential tight end convert entering last season, that is no longer the case. Someone will give the mobile, strong-armed Payton a chance as a QB, though that team will take on an inexperienced starter who did not face elite competition in college.
Of Philadelphia, Arizona and New York, the Eagles are the only team with a solution at quarterback. They drafted Wentz 10 years ago, but the writing was on the wall for him when they used a second-rounder on Jalen Hurts in 2020. Wentz was out of the organization a year later. Hurts remains locked in as the Eagles’ starter, but backups Tanner McKee and Andy Dalton are only under contract for another year apiece. If the Eagles keep McKee and Dalton next season, Payton could ease into the league as the fourth QB on their depth chart and perhaps climb into the second or third position in 2027.
The rebuilding Jets (Geno Smith) and Cardinals have veteran stopgaps (Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew), but both teams are strong candidates to add someone younger in the draft. While the two are popular picks for Alabama’s Ty Simpson, a potential first-rounder, perhaps one of them will instead come away with Payton later in the draft.
Steelers Hosted WR Makai Lemon
USC wide receiver Makai Lemon may be a long shot to make it to the Steelers in the first round, but they were among the teams he visited, per Mike DeFabo of The Athletic.
While the Steelers are heading into the draft with two proven starting receivers in D.K. Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr., they have little else at the position. Of their six other receivers under contract, only Roman Wilson and Ben Skowronek caught passes in 2025. They combined for a mere 16. The team has done its homework on a few notable prospects as a result, having hosted Lemon, Washington’s Denzel Boston and Alabama’s Germie Bernard. Indiana’s Omar Cooper Jr. did not book a “30” visit with the Steelers, but they are reportedly interested in him.
While Bernard may be an option in Round 2, where Pittsburgh will be on the clock at 53, Lemon and Boston are expected to go in the first round. Cooper is not a first-round lock, but he will likely be gone before the Steelers make their second pick. The Steelers’ first choice will come at No. 21, which could be too far down the board for Lemon. Both Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com (No. 12) and Dane Brugler of The Athletic (No. 13) consider Lemon as a top-15 player in this class. PFR’s Ely Allen mocked Lemon to the Dolphins at No. 11.
The Steelers’ best hope of landing Lemon may be for general manager Omar Khan to trade up. That might be on the table for a team with a league-high 12 picks, including five in the top 99. Reeling in the 5-foot-11, 192-pound Lemon, who won the Fred Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s best receiver in 2025, would give the Steelers an exciting complement to the 6-4 Metcalf-Pittman duo. He lined up in the slot over 75% of the time and dropped just four passes in his three-year, 33-game run at USC.
The Steelers are not guaranteed to emerge from the first round with a receiver, but it’s “almost a foregone conclusion” they will at least spend a Day 2 pick on the position, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette observes. Cornerback, safety and guard are other areas they could address in the opening round, according to Dulac.
Jeremiyah Love Visited Cardinals
APRIL 18: Love visited the Cardinals at some point in the pre-draft process, per Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2. The deadline for visits was April 15.
APRIL 7: Although he does not play a premium position, uber-talented Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love is expected to come off the board in the top seven of this year’s draft. Set to select third overall, the Cardinals have more pressing needs than running back, yet they are a “wild card to watch” in the Love derby, Peter Schrager of ESPN writes.
By far the highest-rated back in this year’s class, Love is the lone player at the position who will go in Round 1. Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com ranks the 6-foot, 212-pounder as the No. 2 prospect available, trailing only Indiana quarterback and soon-to-be first pick Fernando Mendoza. Love is heading to the pros after winning the Doak Walker Award as the nation’s best back in 2025. He wrapped up his three-year college career with a ridiculous 6.9 yards per carry on 433 attempts and 40 touchdowns (35 rushing, five receiving) in 41 games.
The Cardinals finished a dismal 31st in rushing yards per game in 2025, which makes them a fit for Love on paper. But they have addressed their backfield since then, albeit in more modest fashion, with the addition of former Falcon Tyler Allgeier on a two-year, $12.25MM pact. They also kept James Conner around on a revised contract. He and 2024 third-rounder Trey Benson, who also remains in the fold, missed a combined 27 games with injuries last season. That helps explain why Arizona’s rushing attack faltered as much as it did. Michael Carter, now a member of the Titans, led the Cardinals with a meager 333 ground yards on 92 totes (3.6 YPC).
If the Cardinals draft Love, it will be the second straight time Allgeier will find himself stuck behind a premier talent at his position. Allgeier posted the only 1,000-yard season of his career as a rookie in 2022, but the Falcons spent the eighth overall pick on Bijan Robinson during the ensuing spring. After serving as a solid (perhaps overqualified) backup to Robinson, there is no doubt Allgeier moved to Arizona banking on a bigger role than he had in Atlanta. He should get his wish if the Cardinals pass on Love at No. 3 to address a more obvious weakness (right tackle or edge defender, to name two possibilities).
Chargers ‘Made Offers’ To Odafe Oweh, Zion Johnson
Although they entered free agency flush with cap space, the Chargers saw edge defender Odafe Oweh and left guard Zion Johnson exit. The club “made offers” to Oweh and Johnson before they left, general manager Joe Hortiz told reporters this week (via Daniel Popper of The Athletic).
While details on the Chargers’ offers are unknown, they were “far more competitive” in trying to re-sign Oweh than Johnson, Popper writes. It was known entering free agency the Chargers wanted to retain Oweh and fellow pass-rushing force Khalil Mack. They successfully kept Mack around on a one-year, $18MM contract, but Oweh moved to Washington for a massive raise. The former Raven returned to the area on a four-year, $100MM pact with the Commanders, who included $68MM in guarantees.
Oweh only played 12 games with the Chargers, who acquired him from the Ravens for safety Alohi Gilman last October, whereas Johnson was a four-year starter with the Bolts. The 2022 first-round pick was durable in L.A., where he missed just two games, but did not turn into the dominant blocker the team wanted when it spent the 17th overall pick on him. Nevertheless, with the Browns hard up for offensive line help, they committed $32.4MM in guarantees to Johnson on a four-year, $49.5MM arrangement.
The Chargers have not adequately replaced Oweh or Johnson in free agency, leaving the two areas as obvious needs as the draft approaches. They could conceivably use their first-round pick, No. 22 overall, on either spot. Even without Oweh, the Chargers still have an enviable edge-rushing duo in Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu. However, retirement looms for Mack, who will turn 36 next February. Meanwhile, Tuipulotu joins Mack in entering a contract year. The Chargers want to extend him, but even if that happens, it would make sense to find a long-term successor to Mack.
The Chargers have made modest free agent additions at guard, where they picked up Cole Strange for two years and $13MM and Kayode Awosika for an undisclosed amount. Strange, who played under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel in Miami, will start at right guard. If the season began today, the Chargers would use either Awosika or the re-signed Trevor Penning on the left side. Both players are likely better off in depth roles, meaning the Chargers could draft Johnson’s replacement. The belief is the Chargers will indeed target the offensive line, Jason La Canfora of SportsBoom hears.
“I think he keeps drafting offensive linemen,” one general manager told La Canfora. “There’s going to be a run on them at the end of the first round. LA, Philly, Kansas City, Houston, San Francisco. He needs a starting guard.”
For his part, Hortiz made it clear the Chargers will augment their front five in the draft.
“We’re not done on the offensive line,” Hortiz said. “I can promise that.”
A full list of the Chargers’ pre-draft visitors is unavailable, but we know they met with Texas A&M guard Chase Bisontis. He could be high on their list late in Round 1.
LB CJ Allen Seen As First-Round Pick?
Georgia linebacker CJ Allen has been a late riser as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches. Less than a week out, he has put himself in first-round consideration, according to EssentiallySports’ Tony Pauline.
Allen, 21, did not participate in athletic testing at the Combine or Georgia’s pro day. But this week, he worked out for scouts and rank a 4.46-second 40-yard dash, Pauline adds, despite being just “months removed from knee surgery.” That gave scouts more confidence in his recovery and athleticism, which firmed up his spot as the third-ranked linebacker on most big boards.
Pauline previously mocked Allen to the Bills and adds the Buccaneers and Cowboys as other options. Those teams would trade back from their No. 15 and No. 20 picks, respectively, to select him.
The Bills need to find a long-term replacement for veteran inside linebacker Matt Milano, who hit free agency this offseason after nine season in Buffalo. The current starters would be Terrel Bernard and Dorian Williams, but Williams is entering the final year of his contract. Allen would be a long-term running mate for Bernard who would likely succeed him as the Bills’ primary inside linebacker.
The Buccaneers are in a very similar situation. They saw Lavonte David announce his retirement this offseason. Alex Anzalone and Christian Rozeboom were signed as immediate veteran replacements, but SirVocea Dennis is on an expiring deal. Again, Allen would come in and push Anzalone or Dennis for playing time with a long-term projection as a high-level starter.
The Cowboy do not have a clear starter next to DeMarvion Overshown, who is entering the last year of his contract, too. He is a candidate to be extended, but, as in Buffalo and Tampa Bay, Allen could be an instant No. 2 who takes over as the top spot in the future.
The one significant drawback of selecting Allen in the first round is the loss of value on his fifth-year option. Currently, off-ball/inside linebackers are grouped with outside linebackers for the NFL’s positional designations relating to contracts. As a result, inside linebacker fifth-year option values are based on the salaries of the league’s top edge rushers, who are significantly more expensive. That means the fifth-year option for linebackers is inflated and therefore not worth picking up.
Allen also met virtually with the Texans, Eagles, and Seahawks, per KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson.
Cardinals’ Jacoby Brissett Seeking Starter-Level Extension
The Cardinals signed Gardner Minshew last month, adding a second bridge quarterback after signing Jacoby Brissett in 2025. Brissett worked as Arizona’s primary starter last season, with Kyler Murray shut down with a foot injury. Murray’s release clears the way for a Brissett-Minshew competition.
Monti Ossenfort declined to name a starter when asked this week, and the fourth-year GM cautioned (via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport) the team would “see how the room looks in August” when addressing the situation. Soon after, Brissett is staying away from Cardinals voluntary workouts for contract reasons. The veteran is seeking an extension that pays him as the Cards’ starter, Rapoport adds.
Arizona gave Brissett a two-year, $12.5MM deal in 2025. That contract reunited Brissett with then-Cardinals OC Drew Petzing, who coached the QB in Cleveland. Petzing is now the Lions’ OC, leaving after Jonathan Gannon‘s firing, though Ossenfort was onboard when the Cards added Brissett. Arizona was closely linked to reuniting new HC Mike LaFleur with Jimmy Garoppolo, but negotiations broke down. That led to Minshew signing a one-year, $5.75MM deal.
Minshew’s contract comes nearly fully guaranteed, while only $1.5MM in guarantees remain on Brissett’s pact. The latter wants an update, and Rapoport adds the Cardinals seem amenable to making some sort of adjustment.
Brissett, 33, started 12 games last season; the Cardinals went 1-11 in those contests during a 3-14 season. Brissett did have the offense in better form than Murray did during his brief 2025 work, throwing 23 touchdown passes compared to eight interceptions and completing 64.9% of his throws. Averaging 7.1 yards per attempt, Brissett ranked 24th in QBR. That was fifth-worst among qualified passers last season.
This is team No. 6 for Brissett, a Patriots draftee who later suited up for the Colts, Dolphins, Browns and Commanders. New England brought Brissett back as a bridge to Drake Maye in 2024. Brissett has not been tied to a contract worth more than $8MM per year since the Colts extended him in 2019. That deal brought a $20MM guarantee at signing, as Indianapolis needed Brissett to (again) assume the controls after Andrew Luck news changed the equation. Brissett started most of the 2017 season in Indianapolis — as Luck missed all of that campaign because of a shoulder injury — and took over again after the franchise QB’s shocking 2019 retirement. The Colts, however, signed Philip Rivers in 2020; that set Brissett on a nomadic course through the QB2 ranks.
The 2022 and ’25 seasons, though, did give Brissett extended starter looks. Prior to Murray’s injury, Deshaun Watson‘s 11-game suspension gave Brissett a lengthy run as the Browns’ starter. It will be interesting to see if the Cardinals accommodate the older of their two stopgap options, but increased buzz about Ty Simpson is emerging. After a report earlier today indicated an Arizona trade-up back into Round 1 — presumably from its No. 34 spot — is in play, NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah noted a Simpson-to-Arizona path “feels inevitable.”
It would seem either Brissett or Minshew would be a trade candidate if the Cardinals are the Simpson team. I’ve predicted Simpson to Arizona in recent PFR chats, as Ossenfort going four drafts without identifying his own signal-caller may be risky. The Cardinals are 15-36 in the GM’s three seasons on the job, and while the team waiting on a more promising 2027 QB crop may be appealing, its current GM may be on a hot seat after last year’s 3-14 stumble.
A one-year starter at Alabama, Simpson would seemingly be in need of some grooming. Would the Cardinals need both Brissett and Minshew in the event they draft the polarizing prospect? The Giants kept both Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston after drafting Jaxson Dart, so recent precedent does exist for the two-mentor approach. Brissett receiving a raise on an extension, however, would leave Minshew in a strange position weeks after signing with the team. Brissett’s status will be a storyline to monitor, and a Simpson investment could change the organization’s plans here.
Dolphins Rumors: Aikman, Draft, OL
Joining Tom Brady on the top tier of NFL announcer salaries, Troy Aikman also followed the fellow Hall of Famer by double-dipping with regards to assisting a team with big-picture decisions. The Dolphins brought in the former Cowboys great-turned-ESPN mainstay during their GM and HC hiring processes, and in March, we learned he would stay involved with the team in “some capacity.” GM Jon-Eric Sullivan has since said (via the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson) Aikman will be welcome in Miami’s draft room next week. Should Aikman be part of the Dolphins’ draft process, it would be more observational. The longtime broadcaster will not be consulted on selections, Jackson adds. It is still interesting the Dolphins will involve Aikman moving forward. The NFL established a precedent with Brady by allowing him to move forward with an obvious conflict of interest as a part-Raiders owner and FOX’s lead analyst. More broadcasters could be interested in double-dipping soon.
Here is the latest from the draft:
- Going through with a rebuild for the second time in seven years, the Dolphins are drowning in dead money thanks to recent moves — most notably the Tua Tagovailoa release. Miami has already reached $179MM in 2026 dead cap, representing a record-smashing number for any point on an NFL calendar. As the team moves forward, Sullivan said (via NFL.com’s Cameron Wolfe) his first draft is more likely to feature trade-down moves than climbs up the board. This aligns with an early-April report on Miami’s plans. As they look to add long-term roster pieces, the Dolphins have 11 picks in this draft. This includes seven top-100 selections, but they appear interested in gathering plenty of rookie-deal pieces. That would certainly be wise given the dead money reality; Tagovailoa will also count $43.8MM in dead cap in 2027.
- The Dolphins are also planning to target offensive linemen that can play multiple positions, per Sullivan (via ESPN.com’s Marcel Louis-Jacques). Miami has met with Caleb Lomu and is believed to be high on Lomu ex-Utah teammate Spencer Fano, who has been tied to potentially kicking inside to guard. The team also hosted Texas A&M guard Chase Bisontis. Competition is also set for both Dolphins guard spots along with right tackle this offseason.
- Miami added Malik Willis in free agency, signing off on a three-year, $67.5MM deal that came with $45MM guaranteed at signing. That would not preclude the team from drafting another quarterback, but the team does not appear likely to take Ty Simpson. A move on Day 3 may be in play still, and the Dolphins met with former Kansas passer Jalon Daniels this week (per ESPN.com’s Jordan Reid). Daniels saw time in six seasons for the Jayhawks, playing in 49 games. The Big 12 program’s primary starter for this lengthy period — one interrupted by injuries — Daniels impressed at points and struggled with accuracy at others. He also rushed for more than 400 yards in three seasons. ESPN’s Scouts Inc. ranks Daniels 16th among QBs, putting him on the fringe of the draft/UDFA line. Quinn Ewers and fellow second-year player Cam Miller join Willis as rostered Dolphins passers. Daniels also visited the Buccaneers and Patriots, per Reid.
- Although we heard during the coaching carousel the Miami HC job was not viewed favorably — due largely to the Tagovailoa contract’s impact — Louis-Jacques notes ownership’s patience with GMs made that job more appealing. Technically, Chris Grier was GM for 10 years; though, Mike Tannenbaum hovered above him from 2016-18. Grier did last nearly seven full seasons as the top front office decisionmaker following Tannenbaum’s exit. Though, it is worth noting Dennis Hickey only received one season with control (2014) before the Tannenbaum addition. Grier’s GM predecessor parted with the Dolphins after two seasons.
- The Dolphins recently sold a 1% ownership stake to Bin Lin, cofounder and vice chairman of Xiaomi (a tech company headquartered in China). Lin’s stake also covers part of Stephen Ross‘ full portfolio, which includes Hard Rock Stadium, tennis’ Miami Open and Formula 1’s Miami Grand Prix, ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweets. The overall stake is worth $12.5 billion.
Jets Among Teams Which Could Trade Into Top 10
Much of the top-10 order of next week’s draft is unsettled. The possibility of movement near the top of the board has been increasingly discussed in recent days, and a number of teams appear willing to trade down.
The 2026 class is not held in high regard given its relative lack of ‘can’t-miss’ prospects. That factor could lead to a tepid trade-up market, but the Cowboys have been mentioned as a candidate to swing a deal in that regard. Dallas owns a pair of first-round picks, including No. 12.
Moving up the board is something to watch for in that case, but other suitors could be eyeing a top-10 pick. The Jets already have one, but the No. 2 selection may not be the only premium one at general manager Darren Mougey‘s disposal. ESPN’s Matt Miller predicts the opening round will be filled with trades, including up to two swaps in the top-10 order. In addition to the Cowboys, Miller names the Jets as a team to watch in that regard.
Most of the pre-draft chatter in New York’s case has naturally centered on what the team will do with the second overall pick. Taking a defensive prospect remains the expectation at this point, something which would leave Mougey and Co. with options at the receiver position and others with their next Day 1 selection (No. 16). Alternatively, a move toward the latter stages of the top 10 could allow the Jets to pick up multiple top-tier players depending on how the rest of board shakes out.
Coming off a 3-14 campaign, New York could stand to add at several spots. Bringing in immediate contributors would help given the questions surrounding head coach Aaron Glenn‘s job security entering his second season at the helm. The chances of that taking place in 2026 may of course increase with a trade up the board, although sacrificing capital in a draft such as this one would no doubt lead to scrutiny.
It may not be challenging for Mougey to find a trade partner over the coming days given the nature of the first-round order. As such, the Jets will join the Cowboys as a team to monitor closely early on Day 1.
Commanders Open To Trading Down
APRIL 17: Peters said (via Keim) the Commanders are not actively attempting to move down the board at this time. He remains open to a trade agreement, but Washington can be expected to stay in place at No. 7 – a spot which will provide several interesting options – for now.
APRIL 14: The Commanders currently own six picks in the upcoming draft. Only two of those are within the first 146 selections, however, and Washington is a team in need of rookie additions at several spots.
As such, a move down the board on Day 1 could be something to watch for. As ESPN’s John Keim and Jordan Reid write, the Commanders’ preference would be a small trade down the first-round order to add a Day 2 pick. Washington is positioned to select seventh overall in a draft lacking in star power and high-end quarterback prospects. GM Adam Peters has conceded that will likely make it challenging to generate a market with respect to teams moving up into the top 10.
Nevertheless, the Cowboys could be prepared to execute a trade from No. 12 up the order. The possibility of an intra-divisional swap could make for an interesting storyline as the countdown to the draft continues. In any case, Peters and Co. face the challenge of adding impact rookies to one of the league’s oldest rosters with limited draft capital.
To no surprise, Reid adds receiver and cornerback are positions Washington is likely to target early in the draft. Dyami Brown and Van Jefferson have been added in free agency, but Deebo Samuel remains unsigned and little movement has taken place recently on the Brandon Aiyuk front. That could leave the Commanders with the possibility of selecting Carnell Tate if he is still available at No. 7 and no strong trade-up offers emerge.
Washington has added Amik Robertson and Ahkello Witherspoon on the open market at the cornerback spot. Marshon Lattimore is still a free agent, though, while Jonathan Jones and Noah Igbinoghene departed in March. Each of the 2026 class’ top CB prospects are likely to be on the board when the Commanders make their first selection. As a result, drafting Mansoor Delane or Jermod McCoy could receive strong consideration.
The Laremy Tunsil trade deprived Washington of its own selection in the second and fourth rounds in the 2026 draft. The Commanders should still be able to add a few notable rookies to the mix, but efforts on Peters’ part to acquire additional picks are likely to pick up over the coming days.
Cardinals Eyeing First-Round Trade Up For QB Ty Simpson?
The Cardinals currently own one first-round pick in next week’s draft. The No. 3 slot remains the subject of considerable speculation, but in any case Arizona could be a team to watch late in the round as well.
A recent report named the Cardinals a candidate to trade down from the third overall pick. How the Jets operate at No. 2 will be key, since at least one of David Bailey or Arvell Reese will still be available after their selection is made. Arizona could stand to add either of those edge rushers, and Essentially Sports’ Tony Pauline reports the team’s preference would be Bailey. Either way, a trade sending Arizona into the back end of the first-round order will be something to watch for.
Pauline reports the Cardinals will attempt trade back into the Day 1 order to draft quarterback Ty Simpson “if the opportunity arises.” Arizona has previously been mentioned as a logical option with respect to selecting Simpson and by doing so steering clear of the top prospects in the highly-regarded 2027 QB class. Finding a willing trade partner late in the opening round may not be a challenge with this year’s group of prospects lacking in projected stars. GM Monti Ossenfort has left the door open to such a move, while NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport confirms (video link) the Cardinals loom as a feasible Simpson destination.
[Prospect Profile: Ty Simpson]
Arizona owns pick No. 34, so a small move up the board could yield Simpson and a long-term quarterback option to develop over time. The Cardinals have retained Jacoby Brissett, whose deal runs through 2026. Fellow veteran Gardner Minshew was added a one-year free agent contract last month. That will give new head coach Mike LaFleur a pair of experienced stopgap signal-callers to work with for the coming season. It would also allow Simpson time to develop without needing to play right away.
As a one-year starter at the college level, Simpson’s draft range has long been in flux. The Alabama product is generally regarded as the second-best quarterback prospect in the 2026 class, but his lack of experience and poor showings in the second half of the campaign could leave him on the board until Day 2. On the other hand, the draft has a long history of teams being aggressive with respect to acquiring passers via trade.
The Cardinals could be the next suitor in that regard, depending on how the first round shakes out. Other teams will no doubt have Simpson on their radar as well, but Arizona will remain one to monitor closely on this front over the coming days.