The Arizona Cardinals are considering trading their third overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, with speculation about potential trade partners. Analyst Todd McShay suggests that a significant trade package could be on the table during the draft.
Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort discusses the upcoming NFL Draft during a press conference at Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe on April 16, 2025. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort discusses the upcoming NFL Draft during a press conference at Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe on April 16, 2025. Syndication: Arizona Republic
GLENDALE – The rumors surrounding the Arizona Cardinals decision on the third overall pick continues to ramp up. Plenty of names have emerged in the 2026 NFL Draft for Arizona to select with their first round pick, but The Ringer’s Todd McShay believes a trade could end up being the choice. McShay spoke on his podcast about a potential suitor for the franchise, which could lead to a massive package on draft night.
Feb 24, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
McShay on potential Cardinals-Cowboys draft trade:
“Trading out of No. 3 remains one of the priorities, or one of the things that could absolutely happen with Arizona. There’s a lot of buzz about Dallas, and what comes to the noise, with Dallas trading up from 12 to three to get [David] Bailey, right?
“Keep it in state. Texas Tech, pass-rusher. Most importantly, they’ve put all their efforts into rebuilding that defense over the last year.”
Texas Tech’s David Bailey rushes the Kent State offense during a non-conference football game, Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Jones AT&T Stadium.
Dallas’ general manager Jerry Jones isn’t afraid to make massive trades like a jump up to third overall. The Cowboys are looking for their Micah Parsons replacement and see Bailey as that type of guy. Ironically, Jones could use the package they got for Parsons to trade for the third overall pick. The franchise owns the 12th pick and the 20th pick from the Green Bay Packers and could combine both to climb to third overall.
That is a heavy price to pay for Dallas, but for a organization that always has high expectations, it could be a necessary risk. Arizona’s general manager Monti Ossenfort could look to snag one of the top offensive tackles like Miami’s Francis Maugioa or Utah’s Spencer Fano. The pair were mocked to go to the Cardinals, but it was a little bit of a reach. Trading down could open the door from a reach into a steal for the franchise.
Then, the 20th pick could lead the pairing every expert believe will happen in Alabama’s Ty Simpson to the Valley. The two sides seem like a match made in heaven, and the trade for the third pick could open the door to that reality.
Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
Q&A
Who is the potential trade partner for the Arizona Cardinals' third overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft?
While specific names have not been disclosed, Todd McShay mentioned that there are potential suitors for the Cardinals' pick.
What could the Arizona Cardinals receive in a trade for their third overall pick?
A trade could lead to a massive package, although the exact details of what the Cardinals might receive have not been revealed.
When is the 2026 NFL Draft scheduled to take place?
The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 2026, although the exact date has not been specified.
Related Articles
Sports
LIV Golf is still going, but its days seem numbered and probably always were
LIV Golf's future appears uncertain as reports suggest Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund may withdraw funding after investing $5 billion. Despite assurances for the 2026 season, the tour faces challenges from low ratings and strong competition from the PGA Tour.
ESPN News··1 min read
MLB·Recap
Angels' Mike Trout hits another HR to join Aaron Judge in rare Yankee Stadium history
Mike Trout's 446-foot HR joins him with Aaron Judge in Yankee Stadium lore.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
MLB·Feature
Tigers projected to take a gamble on the upside of a 6'3" prep bat
Detroit Tigers projected to take a risk on a 6'3" prep bat in the MLB draft.