Seahawks Poised to Shake Up 2026 NFL Draft, Threaten Cardinals' Plans

Seattle's late first-round pick could be key to disrupting division rival's draft strategy

Apr. 20, 2026 at 1:20am

A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented football players, draft picks, and team logos, conveying the strategic complexity of the 2026 NFL Draft for the Seahawks and Cardinals.The Seahawks' potential trade-back move could disrupt the Cardinals' draft plans, creating a complex strategic landscape for the 2026 NFL Draft.Pasadena Today

The Seattle Seahawks hold the 32nd overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and they are in prime position to trade out of the first round. This move could not only net them additional draft capital, but also potentially ruin the expected plans of their NFC West rival, the Arizona Cardinals, who have been heavily linked to quarterback prospect Ty Simpson from Alabama in the early second round.

Why it matters

The Seahawks' late first-round pick holds significant value, as teams covet the fifth-year option that comes with selecting a player in the first round. By trading out of this spot, Seattle could gain additional draft picks while simultaneously preventing the Cardinals from securing their desired quarterback of the future.

The details

The Seahawks currently own only four picks in the 2026 draft, but three of them are in the top 100. Trading the 32nd overall selection could net them a valuable additional selection, potentially a fourth-round pick this year and a future second-rounder. This would give Seattle more ammunition to address roster needs and potentially disrupt the plans of their division rival, the Cardinals, who are expected to target Alabama QB Ty Simpson early in the second round.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26, 2026.

The players

John Schneider

The general manager of the Seattle Seahawks, who will be tasked with navigating the team's draft strategy.

Ty Simpson

The Alabama quarterback prospect who has been heavily linked to the Arizona Cardinals in the early second round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Arizona Cardinals

The Seahawks' NFC West rival, who are expected to target quarterback Ty Simpson in the early second round of the 2026 draft.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Seahawks will need to evaluate potential trade partners and determine the best offer for their 32nd overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. If they are able to trade out of the first round, it could set up a domino effect that disrupts the draft plans of their NFC West rival, the Arizona Cardinals.

The takeaway

The Seahawks' late first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft represents a valuable trade asset that could net them additional draft capital. By trading out of this spot, Seattle could not only improve their own draft haul, but also potentially prevent the Arizona Cardinals from securing their desired quarterback of the future, Ty Simpson.