NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport believes the Cardinals could trade up from pick No. 34 to draft Alabama QB Ty Simpson late in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

16 April 2026

Rapoport said he would be “surprised” if the Cardinals drafted a quarterback with the No. 3 overall pick. He also notes that Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort has a working relationship with Texans general manager Nick Caserio. The Texans currently hold the 28th overall pick. Swapping No. 34-plus for No. 28 would allow the Cardinals to get in front of the quarterback-needy Jets, who are slated to pick at the top of the second round, with pick No. 33. Rapoport also believes that if both the Cardinals and Jets pass on Simpson in this range, he may be waiting to be drafted for quite a while.