GLENDALE – As the 2026 NFL draft approaches, more experts believe in the possibility that the Arizona Cardinals could trade out of their third overall pick. Trading out of three wouldn’t be the first time general manager Monti Ossenfort has down such a thing, the first instance in 2023. The Athletic Bruce Feldman wrote about a hypothetical trade between Arizona and the Dallas Cowboys that he sees as a way to fulfill both teams needs.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Feldman propose the Cowboys trading the 12th pick and 92nd pick for the 3rd pick, leading way for the Cardinals selecting Georgie offensive lineman Monroe Freeling.
Feb 24, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Feldman on hypothetical trade down for Cardinals:
“Arizona really needs O-line help, but this spot seems too high for what is available in this draft, so trading back is the Cards’ best move,” Feldman wrote. The Cardinals moved down for No. 12 and 92 — which is later in the third round.
“[Monroe Freeling] looks like a giant tight end with the way he can move and bend,” one SEC D-line coach told Feldman. “He’s a very impressive big athlete. He’s still pretty raw and gets off-balance and isn’t great with his hands — at least he wasn’t when we played him — but all the tools seem to be there. He needs to keep getting stronger.”
Nov 9, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Monroe Freeling (57) blocks Mississippi Rebels defensive lineman Princely Umanmielen (1) during the first half at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
If Ossenfort accepted that trade it would probably be considered malpractice. In the 2023 example of the 48-year-old GM trading the third pick, he got back the 12th pick, 33rd pick and a future first and third-round pick. To move up that high in the first round, a team will need to give up quite a haul.
The fourth-year Cardinals general manager could try to replicate that type of package this year, for a roster that is in dire need of plenty of upgrades. However, Ossenfort did miss out on All-Pro edge Will Anderson when trading the third overall pick. Ironically, the franchise is in need of an edge and plenty of options sit at the top of the draft.
Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort speaks to the press from the Arizona Cardinals training center in Tempe after the decision to fire head coach Jonathan Gannon on Jan. 5, 2026. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Feldman had Dallas trading up to take Texas Tech edge David Bailey, which could solve the Cardinals’ lackluster pass rush. Ossenfort signed four offensive lineman in free agency and zero edges, which shows that he’ll likely address the pass rush early instead of pass protection. That is until a front office offers Ossenfort a package similar to the one he received in 2023.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
