The Arizona Cardinals have been rumored for the past few weeks to be seeking a trade-down.
Owning the No. 3 pick, Arizona was rumored to be talking with the Dallas Cowboys. Another suitor has emerged.
The Kansas City Chiefs and Cardinals are now rumored to be discussing a blockbuster trade, according to PHNX’s Johnny Venerable.
The Cardinals are unable to take a quarterback early in this year’s draft due to the weak depth at the position. However, there are some elite offensive line prospects, pass rushers, and even a star running back likely to be available.
With Arizona potentially eyeing Ty Simpson, this could be a way to get him.
What Does This Mean for the Arizona Cardinals?
Kansas City, currently situated at the No. 9 pick, is likely out of the running for a top pass rusher. They also own the Los Angeles Rams‘ pick at No. 29 overall.
Pass rush is a huge need for the Chiefs after a 2025 season that saw them get to the quarterback just 33 times.
Arizona also should be looking for offensive and defensive line help early. The Cardinals gave up 59 sacks last year and got to the quarterback just 30 times. They can maximize their efforts by trading down.
However, the Chiefs seem to only have a pass rusher on their minds.
“The Chiefs, who own the ninth overall pick, would likely target the top available pass rusher in either Texas Tech’s David Bailey or Ohio State’s Arvell Reese,” Venerable wrote.
But could this be a deal that would benefit both teams greatly?
While Kansas City would get its blue-chip pass rusher of the future, Arizona could still get at least one top skill position player in the first round, with an opportunity to get both of Kansas City’s firsts.
What Could Monti Ossenfort Do?
General manager Monti Ossenfort is in a tough situation. With first-year head coach Mike LaFleur taking the reins, Ossenfort must get this draft right, or it could cost him his job.
The release of Kyler Murray with no future quarterback on the roster has left the Cardinals in quarterback purgatory.
In addition, with quarterback Jacoby Brissett reportedly sitting out in search of a new contract, this ties Arizona’s hands.
However, this potential trade-down could justify Arizona taking Simpson at No. 29, while regaining future draft capital.
While Simpson is widely projected as the second-best quarterback behind Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, it would be considered a significant reach if the Cardinals took him at No. 3 overall, or even No. 9 overall.
The Cardinals would get their future signal caller and possibly get themselves out of the mess they’ve created.
Although Simpson is coming off an excellent season for the Crimson Tide, this was his only year starting in college. Arizona might be better off with a more experienced quarterback.
The 2027 Draft will present several high-caliber quarterbacks such as Texas’ Arch Manning, Oregon’s Dante Moore and Ohio State’s Julian Sayin, among others.
The Cardinals could choose to wait until then to select a quarterback. But if this rumor is real, and Arizona’s interest in Simpson is also real, then it could point to them taking a quarterback as soon as 2026.
Cardinals & Chiefs Rumored for Blockbuster Draft Trade