Cardinals Considering Trading No. 3 Pick, Cowboys Linked to Potential Move

Rumors swirl around Arizona's top draft selection and Dallas' interest in moving up

Apr. 3, 2026 at 6:36pm

A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting an abstract football scene, with sharp geometric shapes in navy, green, and orange overlapping to create a dynamic, multi-angled composition.The complex maneuvering between NFL teams to secure top draft picks reflects the strategic and competitive nature of the league.Dallas Today

The Arizona Cardinals are reportedly considering trading the No. 3 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, with the Dallas Cowboys emerging as a potential trade partner. While the specifics of any discussions between the two teams remain unclear, ESPN's Todd McShay has indicated that there is 'noise' about the Cowboys looking to trade up from their current No. 12 selection to acquire the Cardinals' top pick.

Why it matters

The No. 3 overall pick is a highly valuable asset, and a potential trade could significantly impact the early portion of the draft. If the Cowboys are able to move up, it could allow them to target a top prospect like edge rusher David Bailey, addressing a key need. However, the details of any trade talks between the two teams remain murky, and it's unclear if an agreement will ultimately be reached.

The details

According to McShay, he has heard from 'two different very interesting nuggets' regarding the Cardinals' plans for the No. 3 pick. One source has indicated that the team is 'pushing really, really hard' for Jeremiyah Love, while another suggests that 'trading out of 3 remains one of the priorities.' McShay also noted that there is 'a lot of buzz about Dallas' potentially looking to trade up from No. 12 to No. 3 to select Bailey.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place from April 24-26.

The players

Todd McShay

A former ESPN analyst who now hosts his own podcast, 'The McShay Show,' and is known for his extensive NFL Draft coverage and analysis.

Jeremiyah Love

A highly touted prospect expected to be selected in the early rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft.

David Bailey

A talented edge rusher who is projected to be a top draft pick in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“I've gotten two different very interesting nuggets... I'm gonna tell you what I've heard from two different people who normally have very good information... No. 3 Cardinals... one source is saying 'I know [Adam] Schefter says the clock starts on Jeremiyah Love at No. 5... there's someone in that building that's pushing really, really hard for Jeremiyah Love'... then I've got another person like 'trading out of 3 remains one of the priorities'... There's a lot of buzz about Dallas... noise about Dallas trading up from 12 to 3 to get Bailey...”

— Todd McShay, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will provide more clarity on the Cardinals' plans for the No. 3 pick and whether the Cowboys are able to execute a trade to move up and select a top prospect.

The takeaway

The potential trade talks between the Cardinals and Cowboys highlight the unpredictable nature of the NFL Draft, where teams are constantly exploring ways to improve their rosters through strategic moves. While the specifics remain uncertain, the possibility of a high-profile trade involving a top-3 pick will undoubtedly be a major storyline leading up to the draft.