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.
I don’t hate this move, as long as it doesn’t involve trading a future 1.
If true….No wonder Arizona has sucked for so long….trading back might be a good idea especially if a team like Dallas wants to ship a #1 over to them but drafting Simpson….really?
The mock drafts and scouts get to these coaches and GMs. I’ll never forget Pickett being a first round pick. Absolute comedy
The next JJ McCarthy
Shane they’ve never looked around the league at all the first round QB picks who had one good year in college then flamed out in the NFL.
I volunteer the Seahawks #32 pick for their first next year plus a 4 or 5 this year. We will send pick 32 plus a 2 and 5 next year. That is how sure I am that this will be an awful pick. Awfully good for the Seahawks.
The picks might not need to be adjusted a little bit but you get my drift. There will be some great WBs coming out next year so we need to have a high draft pick. Maybe trade our #32 pick next year and the Cardinals top 10 pick to move up in the draft. Come on John make the call. We need to get a QB in next years draft. Unless of course you believe Milroe is the one.