Arizona Cardinals’ Ty Simpson Draft Hopes Hinge on Crucial First-Round Picks

POLICY WIRE — Pittsburgh, United States — As the 2026 NFL Draft prepares to commence on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET from Pittsburgh, anticipation mounts around the ultimate destination of promising quarterback Ty Simpson.

The Arizona Cardinals have emerged as the leading contenders to secure the young signal-caller, with strong indications from betting markets favoring their acquisition.

Despite their keen interest, the Cardinals face a strategic challenge: Simpson is widely projected as a first-round selection. Following their initial pick at No. 3 overall, Arizona does not hold another choice until the 34th overall selection.

This significant gap necessitates a potential maneuver back into the first round, a strategy successfully employed by the New York Giants last year to draft Jaxson Dart. Insights into other teams’ draft strategies can be found in our coverage of the Commanders 2025 NFL Draft.

Key First-Round Obstacles for Arizona

Should Arizona commit to trading up, two specific draft positions in the first round could significantly impact their pursuit. The first pivotal spot is at pick No. 16, which belongs to the New York Jets—their second first-round selection.

The Jets also possess the 33rd pick, positioned just ahead of Arizona’s 34th. To prevent the Cardinals from potentially selecting Simpson later, and to allow him a year of development behind veteran quarterback Geno Smith, New York might consider drafting Simpson at 16th overall.

Acquiring a pick high enough, such as No. 15, would require a substantial trade package from the Cardinals, a price they are reportedly reluctant to meet given their current draft capital.

Another critical juncture is the 21st overall pick, held by the Pittsburgh Steelers. With uncertainty surrounding Aaron Rodgers’ potential return for the 2026 season, the Steelers could opt to select Simpson as a future cornerstone of their franchise.

The Cardinals’ Final Play

Should Simpson remain available past the 21st pick, the Cardinals’ resolve will be tested. Their ability to acquire him will then depend on the compensation they are willing to offer to trade up, ensuring they outbid rivals like the Jets.

While the Cardinals are still considered the frontrunners to secure Simpson, the final outcome will be revealed when the draft officially begins on Thursday evening.

Read More: 2026 Fantasy Football: Early Expert Rankings Identify Giants’ Potential ‘Busts’