Cardinals’ perfect 2026 NFL Draft trade

There is a prevailing narrative that the Arizona Cardinals will draft Jeremiyah Love. But there’s also a path toward a trade, with many teams interested. And if the Cardinals choose the latter, here is their perfect 2026 NFL Draft trade.

The Cardinals sit in a good spot with the No. 3 overall pick. They will have their choice of a potentially devastating edge rusher or a running back who many consider an offense-changer right off the bat.

However, if they make the right trade, they could set themselves up for some foundational roster pieces for years to come.

Cardinals have only one true trade partner

And it’s the Cowboys. Why? Because that’s the only team that can offer enough early impact to make the Cardinals give up a player like edge rusher Arvell Reese. The assumption here is that the Jets will draft edge rusher David Bailey after the Raiders take quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

And that’s where the Cardinals can shake hands with the Cowboys. Dallas gets its edge-rushing dream player in Reese. And the Cardinals get picks No. 12 and 20 in the first round. The Cardinals have to throw in their fourth-round pick (No. 104) and get the Cowboys’ lesser of three fifth-round picks (180).

So let’s see what the Cardinals do with picks Nos. 12, 20, and 34. The latter of those was their own pick. But it works in tandem with the other two picks because it’s almost an extension first-round pick. The Cardinals need help on the offensive line. They need a young quarterback. And they need a safety.

Cardinals pick OT Georgia’s Monroe Freeling at No. 12

It might make sense for the Cardinals to go after the slightly higher-rated Francis Mauigoa. However, Mauigoa’s herniated disc clouds the issue, according to ESPN.

“Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa is still expected to be the first offensive lineman selected Thursday night despite the fact that sources say he has a herniated disc in his back,” Adam Schefter wrote.

But it’s enough to sway the Cardinals to a safer direction. And that’s Freeling, who projects to become a plus starter, according to NFL.com.

“Freeling offers coveted length and athleticism at right tackle,” :Lance Zierlein wrote. “With only one season as a full-time starter, filling out his frame and improving his technique should be early priorities. His quickness brings first-phase positioning advantages, but he needs more play strength to carry that over to block sustain and finish.

“Lunging and deadening feet post-punch must be coached out of his muscle memory in pass protection so his athleticism and length can do their jobs. Independent hand usage and a reliable “snatch and trap” could instantly bolster his success rate. There is some buyer beware on tape, but if smoothed out, he has the ceiling of a quality NFL starter.”

S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren falls to Cardinals at No. 20

It couldn’t be scripted much better. The Cardinals boost their offensive line in a major way, and then fill a hole at safety.

Toledo’s McNeil-Warren is the No. 2-rated safety on the board. And he has the tools to make an NFL impact, according to The Athletic.

“McNeil-Warren is an impressive size/speed athlete on the back end, who is at his best when roaming to read his keys, flow to the ball, and quickly close space,” Dane Brugler wrote. “He has the rangy tools to push for starting safety reps as an NFL rookie.

“Thanks to his footwork and hips, McNeil-Warren is a fluid mover with functional range and improved instincts versus the pass, which allows him to mirror and match tight ends and running backs. He drives on the football in run support and took a master’s class on the ‘Peanut Punch.’ You’d wish there was more meat on his bones and will want to see him continue to improve his take-on and tackle-finishing skills.”

The third pick that wraps things together for the Cardinals

Sometimes the draft cuts out your heart, and sometimes it lifts you to the winners’ podium. And the latter is why the trade gives the Cardinals the perfect scenario.

Not only did the Cardinals meet their needs with the first two picks, but they also landed a player at No. 34 who could change the organization. Alabama’s Ty Simpson is still on the board. And he will get a chance to prove he is a franchise quarterback.

There’s a lot to like about his chances, according to The Athletic.

“Simpson has the command and process of an NFL quarterback,” Brugler wrote. “But he needs valuable experience to be more efficient in his reads, and to better understand what is open and what isn’t. He projects as a low-level NFL starter, with the ceiling of a mid-level starter and floor of a backup (reminiscent of Daniel Jones with lesser physical traits).

“With his background as the son of a longtime college coach, Simpson received a quarterback education from a young age, and it shows in his mechanics and operation. He doesn’t have any top-tier physical traits but displays a good-enough arm and the mobility to move the launch point (left or right) on naked keepers/boots. He is generally an accurate passer who can digest defensive concepts and read out the entire field.”

A lack of college starts clouds the issue for Simpson’s long-term NFL success.