2026 NFL Draft Rumors: Cardinals Considering Trade Down, Teams Eyeing 2027 QB Class

Arizona may have trade partners for No. 3 pick, while teams wait for deeper 2027 QB options.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 5:25pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented, multi-perspective view of an NFL draft event, with sharp planes of color and form representing the complex strategic decisions facing teams.The 2026 NFL Draft landscape is fractured, with teams weighing options to trade down or wait for a deeper quarterback class in 2027.Medina Today

The Arizona Cardinals are reportedly fielding trade calls for the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, with the Washington Commanders and New Orleans Saints emerging as potential suitors. Meanwhile, the thin quarterback class this year could push some teams to wait until 2027 to address the position, with a deeper group of prospects on the horizon.

Why it matters

The Cardinals' potential trade down would allow them to address other needs while stockpiling future draft capital. The lack of top-tier QB prospects in 2026 could also significantly impact the draft, with teams like the Jets, Browns, Dolphins, and Cardinals potentially waiting until next year to find their long-term answer at the position.

The details

The Cardinals are reportedly considering trading the No. 3 overall pick, with the Commanders and Saints emerging as potential trade partners. In one scenario, Arizona would swap the No. 3 pick with Washington's No. 7 pick and add a second-round pick in the 2027 draft, which is expected to have a deeper QB class. The Saints could also move up to No. 3, sending the No. 8 pick, a third-rounder, and a 2027 second-rounder to Arizona. Beyond the top two running backs from Notre Dame, Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, there is a significant dropoff at the position, which could push teams to prioritize the position early. Analysts also believe only two quarterbacks may be selected in the first two days of the draft, with the 2027 class featuring more promising options like Oregon's Dante Moore and Texas' Arch Manning.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for next week.
  • The 2027 NFL Draft class is expected to have a deeper group of quarterback prospects.

The players

Arizona Cardinals

An NFL team that holds the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and is reportedly considering trading down.

Washington Commanders

An NFL team that is a potential trade partner for the Cardinals' No. 3 pick.

New Orleans Saints

An NFL team that is a potential trade partner for the Cardinals' No. 3 pick.

Jeremiyah Love

A running back from Notre Dame who is considered one of the top prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Jadarian Price

A running back from Notre Dame who could also be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“If Love's Notre Dame backfield mate Jadarian Price goes in the first round, it'll be because of his high ceiling, and also, I think, because after the two Irish runners, there's a big dropoff, to the point where it may be the third or fourth round before another back is selected.”

— Albert Breer, Sports Illustrated Writer

What’s next

Teams will continue to evaluate their options and potential trade scenarios leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft next week.

The takeaway

The 2026 NFL Draft class is lacking in elite quarterback prospects, which could push some teams to wait until 2027 when a deeper group of QB options is expected to be available. This could significantly impact the draft, with teams like the Cardinals, Jets, Browns, and Dolphins potentially focusing on other positions of need this year.