Cardinals Considering Drafting Alabama QB Ty Simpson at No. 3

NFL insider Ian Rapoport says Arizona wouldn't be 'stunned' to take the fringe first-round prospect early.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 1:22pm

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NFL Network's Ian Rapoport suggested the Arizona Cardinals could surprise some by drafting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the third overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Rapoport noted that while it would be unexpected, the Cardinals have shown a willingness to take quarterbacks earlier than expected in the past, citing examples like Mitchell Trubisky and Blake Bortles.

Why it matters

The Cardinals are in the market for a new quarterback after cutting Kyler Murray earlier this offseason. Taking Simpson, a fringe first-round prospect, at No. 3 would be a bold move that could pay off if the team believes he has the potential to be their long-term answer under center.

The details

Rapoport pointed to the New York Jets' trade up to draft Jaxson Dart in the 2025 draft as an example of a team unexpectedly taking a quarterback earlier than expected. He suggested the Cardinals could employ a similar strategy to ensure they land Simpson, who may also be on the radar of the Pittsburgh Steelers at pick No. 21.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place later this month.

The players

Ty Simpson

A quarterback prospect from the University of Alabama who is considered a fringe first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Kyler Murray

The former starting quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals who was released by the team earlier this offseason.

Ian Rapoport

An NFL Network reporter who speculated that the Cardinals could draft Ty Simpson with the third overall pick.

Mitchell Trubisky

A quarterback who was drafted second overall by the Chicago Bears in 2017, despite being viewed as more of a late-round prospect by many analysts.

Blake Bortles

A quarterback who was drafted third overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2014, despite also being viewed as more of a mid-round prospect.

Jaxson Dart

A quarterback prospect who was drafted in the first round by the New York Jets in 2025, despite being projected as more of a mid-round pick.

Pittsburgh Steelers

An NFL team that could also be interested in drafting Ty Simpson with the 21st overall pick.

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What they’re saying

“Would it be a surprise if someone like Ty Simpson goes at three? It would be a surprise, I would be surprised by that. But I wouldn't be stunned because we've seen it before.”

— Ian Rapoport, NFL Network Reporter

“We've seen guys like Mitchell Trubisky go two and a lot of us thought he was more of a late-round guy. Blake Bortles, same thing. Certainly it could happen again.”

— Ian Rapoport, NFL Network Reporter

What’s next

The Cardinals will have to decide whether to take a quarterback with the third overall pick, and if so, whether Ty Simpson is the right fit. The Steelers at pick No. 21 could also be a potential landing spot for Simpson, so the Cardinals may need to trade up to ensure they land him.

The takeaway

The Cardinals' quarterback situation is one of the most intriguing storylines heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. While taking Ty Simpson at No. 3 would be a surprise, the team has shown a willingness to be aggressive in the past when it comes to addressing the QB position.