Two teams open to moving back in first round 2026 NFL Draft

Cardinals and Titans could trade down from top-5 picks

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:24pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented football players, draft prospects, and team logos, conveying the complex and shifting dynamics of the upcoming NFL Draft.The 2026 NFL Draft promises to be an unpredictable affair, with top teams open to trading down and acquiring additional picks.Tempe Today

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Arizona Cardinals (3rd overall pick) and Tennessee Titans (4th overall pick) are both open to trading down in the 2026 NFL Draft's first round. This could depend on what the New York Jets decide to do with the 2nd overall selection, as they are expected to take either Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey or Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese. The Raiders have confirmed they will take Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the 1st overall pick.

Why it matters

Trading down in the draft can allow teams to acquire more picks and address multiple needs, rather than focusing on a single high-value selection. This flexibility could be valuable for the Cardinals and Titans as they look to build their rosters under new head coaches.

The details

According to the report, the Cardinals and Titans are both 'open to moving back' from their top-5 picks. This could allow teams looking to trade up and select players like Bailey, Reese, Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love, Miami OL Francis Mauigoa, or Ohio State LB Sonny Styles to do so. The Cardinals have also been rumored to have interest in Alabama QB Ty Simpson, who is expected to be a late 1st or early 2nd round pick.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 24-26, 2026.
  • The first round will be held on Thursday, April 24.
  • The second and third rounds will be on Friday, April 25.
  • Rounds four through seven will be on Saturday, April 26.

The players

Mike LaFleur

The new head coach of the Arizona Cardinals.

Monti Ossenfort

The general manager of the Arizona Cardinals.

Robert Saleh

The head coach of the Tennessee Titans.

Brian Daboll

The offensive coordinator of the Tennessee Titans.

Cam Ward

The Titans' starting quarterback, selected 1st overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“'belief in league circles' is that the Cardinals and Titans, who hold the No. 3 and 4 picks, respectively, are 'both open to moving back' in the draft.”

— Jeremy Fowler, ESPN Reporter

“'Open-minded about potential move but also comfortable staying put'”

— Jeremy Fowler, ESPN Reporter

What’s next

The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft will take place on Thursday, April 24, where the Cardinals and Titans' draft plans will become clearer.

The takeaway

The potential for the Cardinals and Titans to trade down from their top-5 picks adds an interesting wrinkle to the 2026 NFL Draft. This flexibility could allow them to acquire more selections and address multiple needs, rather than focusing on a single high-value pick. It will be worth watching how the top of the draft unfolds next week.