Arizona Cardinals trade down, add to offensive line and get their new franchise quarterback

TL;DR

The Arizona Cardinals are trading down in the 2026 NFL Draft, acquiring additional picks from the Dallas Cowboys. This move is aimed at strengthening their offensive line and securing a new franchise quarterback, Ty Simpson from Alabama.

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 1: quarterback Ty Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts before the game during the College Football Playoff Quarter Final Game at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 1, 2026 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by CFP/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Happy Tuesday one and all.

We have seen a number of scenarios for the Arizona Cardinals in different 2026 NFL Mock Drafts and one that is becoming more and more consistently mocked is the Arizona Cardinals moving down in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Gennaro Filice dropped a new 2026 NFL Mock Draft that has the Arizona Cardinals moving back with the Dallas Cowboys for both their first round picks.

From NFL.com:

Arizona Cardinals via Dallas Cowboys – Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

Mauigoa’s frequently mocked to the Cardinals — at No. 3 overall. If Arizona is able to select the first offensive tackle after turning one first-rounder into two, Monti Ossenfort will be one happy general manager. Especially if the move ultimately puts him in position to throw the bonus pick at the franchise’s biggest need …

Arizona Cardinals via Dallas Cowboys – Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

Receiving an invitation to the draft does not guarantee first-round selection. But that doesn’t stop us from annually speculating about the league’s thinking in compiling the guest list. Widely considered this class’ QB2, Simpson was just revealed as one of the 16 players who will be in Pittsburgh later this month. Mike LaFleur had some nice things to say about the team’s combine meeting with the Alabama quarterback, while rightfully underscoring that the time-limited encounter lasted all of 18 minutes. In this simulation, the Cardinals’ new head coach gets some fresh blood at the game’s most important position, possibly spoiling a Pittsburgh plan to select Simpson at No. 21.

Going all in on the offensive side of the ball again, but with a new head coach. Getting a new right tackle and then getting a new franchise quarterback.

It is a huge swing for a GM who cannot afford to miss again, is this the right way to go about it?

Q&A

Why are the Arizona Cardinals trading down in the 2026 NFL Draft?

The Cardinals are trading down to gain additional draft picks, which will help them improve their offensive line and secure a new franchise quarterback.

Who is the new franchise quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals?

The new franchise quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals is Ty Simpson, who played for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

What did the Arizona Cardinals receive in the trade with the Dallas Cowboys?

In the trade with the Dallas Cowboys, the Arizona Cardinals received both of the Cowboys' first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.