GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals have plenty of options moving forward to find their next franchise quarterback. Many reports coming out of the NFL Combine made it apparent that Arizona will likely look towards free agency for its QB1, with Malik Willis being the top name. However, with a $30 million price tag attached to Willis, anything can change for the Cardinals to look in a different direction at quarterback.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!ESPN’s Jordan Reid released his latest 2026 NFL mock draft, where he has the franchise selecting Texas Tech edge David Bailey third overall and trading late into the first round. Reid proposed a trade with the Houston Texans for the 28th pick, allowing Arizona to select Alabama’s Ty Simpson.
Alabama’s Ty Simpson (15) a touchdown pass during the College Football Playoff game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Friday Dec. 19, 2025. Syndication: The Oklahoman
Reid on why Cardinals could trade up for Simpson:
“With Kyler Murray’s days in Arizona seemingly numbered, the Cardinals have a lot of quarterback questions. So I have them trading back into the bottom of the first round to acquire their QB of the future. Simpson is a perfect fit in new coach Mike LaFleur’s offense. Simpson operates well off play-action but makes his best throws in the short and intermediate areas. His lack of starting experience (15 starts) makes him a bit of a risk here, but Arizona still has veteran Jacoby Brissett for another year to serve as a bridge until Simpson is ready to be the QB1.”
Jan 1, 2026; Pasadena, CA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) passes against the Indiana Hoosiers in the first half of the 2026 Rose Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at Rose Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
In the hypothetical trade, the Cardinals would trade a 2026 second and fourth-round pick, which is a steep price for Simpson. The 23-year-old had only one season starting in college but had major success in the SEC. Simpson had the most pass attempts and competitions in the conference, leading to 3,567 passing yards, 28 touchdowns and five interceptions.
At 6’2 and 208 pounds, Simpson is a smaller prospect compared to prototypical starters. However, that hasn’t stopped the franchise in the past, selecting 5’9 Kyler Murray first overall in 2019. Different regime in the front office, but general manager Monti Ossenfort could look to take his first big swing at the quarterback position.
Feb 3, 2026; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort at a press conference at the Cardinals training facility. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
In his three years at the position, Ossenfort has only drafted one QB, which was Clayton Tune in the fifth round in 2023. The 48-year-old is on the hot seat following a 3-14 year and is looking for a home run. Paying $30 million for a player with 6 career NFL starts or trading up to take a rookie for new head coach Mike LaFleur.
Each come with risk, but one is much cheaper and could set the stage for a Cardinals resurgence in 2026 or the end of Ossenfort in Arizona.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
