Cardinals trade rumor could lead to deal with Cowboys or Chiefs

Cardinals trade rumor could lead to deal with Cowboys or Chiefs originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Arizona Cardinals are slated to pick third in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft next Thursday, but it looks like the franchise could look to trade out of the selection.

According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, it is unknown what the Cardinals will do at No. 3 overall, but trading down is definitely in the realm of possibilities.

"The Cardinals at #3 remain the biggest mystery for teams in the top five if they stay put, but the belief is a trade down is very much in play, similar to how Arizona operated in 2023 when they moved back from that same #3 spot, per multiple league sources," Schultz said.

Cowboys and Chiefs could be interested in trading up with Cardinals

If Arizona does decide to move back from the third pick, the Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs are possible trade partners.

There is already a ton of smoke around Dallas moving back, and with the team having two picks in the first round, one at 12 and the other at 20, the Cowboys have the firepower to shoot up the draft order.