The Cardinals Could Draft Ty Simpson and Let Him Sit: Here's Why That Might Actually Work
The Arizona Cardinals are seriously considering Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the third overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and according to ESPN's Schrager, there's legitimate buzz connecting Simpson to Arizona. But here's the thing: the Cardinals aren't necessarily thinking about throwing him in right away.
Simpson in the Cardinals' Crosshairs
ESPN's draft coverage is linking Simpson directly to Arizona's spot at No. 3. It's not just noise either. With all the upgrades the Cardinals need across the roster, the quarterback position is clearly in the conversation, and Simpson is drawing real attention from the Valley. The mock draft tracker shows the Cardinals weighing multiple options at that pick, but Simpson keeps coming up.
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What makes this interesting isn't just that the Cardinals might take Simpson. It's the way they could develop him. Rather than forcing a young quarterback into the fire immediately, Arizona could bring Simpson along slowly, letting him learn the system, understand the speed of the NFL, and get comfortable before he's asked to carry the load. That's a smart approach for a franchise rebuilding on multiple fronts.
The Cardinals are a franchise desperate for hope in the Valley. A big swing at quarterback in the draft could provide exactly that kind of spark, especially if they're patient enough to develop the talent properly instead of rushing it.
What's Next
The NFL Draft is coming, and Arizona has plenty of options at No. 3. Whether it's Simpson, running back Jeremiyah Love (who ESPN reports is drawing growing chatter from the Cardinals), or another prospect entirely, the Cardinals need to make a splash. The question isn't just who they pick, but how they plan to build around that choice. For a team looking to inject some juice back into the franchise, the draft process is everything.
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This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.