49ers Explore Trade Down Options in 2026 NFL Draft

Mapping out potential scenarios for the 49ers to trade down from their first-round pick

Apr. 20, 2026 at 4:18pm by

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting an abstract football scene, with sharp planes of muted earth tones representing the 49ers' draft strategy deliberations.A cubist interpretation of the 49ers' strategic options as they consider trading down in the 2026 NFL Draft.San Francisco Today

The San Francisco 49ers hold the 27th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and one of the best options for the team could be to trade down and acquire additional draft capital. While it's an unlikely strategy, the 49ers could potentially find trade partners in the New York Jets or Arizona Cardinals, who both need a quarterback and may be willing to jump up to secure Ty Simpson, one of the top QB prospects in the class.

Why it matters

Trading down would allow the 49ers to potentially still land a top player at a position of need, while also picking up extra draft picks to address other roster holes. This could be a savvy move for a team looking to continue building a championship-caliber roster through the draft.

The details

The 49ers could trade down from 27th overall to the early 30s, similar to a deal the New York Giants made last year when they moved up from 34th to 25th. That cost the Giants the 99th overall pick and an additional third-rounder. The Jets (33rd overall) and Cardinals (34th) both have a need at quarterback and could be willing to make a similar move to secure Ty Simpson. In return, the 49ers could potentially net the 103rd or 104th overall pick, plus a future selection.

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

The players

Ty Simpson

A top quarterback prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft class who could be a target for teams looking to trade up in the first round.

New York Jets

An NFL team with a need at quarterback that could be interested in trading up to select Ty Simpson.

Arizona Cardinals

An NFL team with a need at quarterback that could be interested in trading up to select Ty Simpson.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Desperation for a quarterback could make teams jump back into the first round to take him.”

— Parker Hurley, Author

“The question is what this would cost.”

— Parker Hurley, Author

“For the 49ers, the decision makes a lot of sense. They are in a spot where guard and edge are their big needs, but both could be reached if they stay in the pick at 27. If they trade back, they might be able to get the same player they targeted at 27, plus pick up an early fourth-rounder and another pick to fill some needs with depth.”

— Parker Hurley, Author

What’s next

The 49ers will need to evaluate their options and determine if trading down in the first round is the best strategy leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft. They will need to gauge the interest of teams like the Jets and Cardinals and negotiate a potential deal that allows them to still address their roster needs while also acquiring additional draft capital.

The takeaway

Trading down in the NFL Draft is a risky but potentially rewarding strategy, and the 49ers could be in a prime position to explore this option in 2026. By moving back from 27th overall, they could still land a top player at a position of need while also picking up extra picks to strengthen their roster depth, making this a savvy move if the right trade partner emerges.