TWSN writer and editor currently based in Cincinnati, Ohio, and originally from Upstate New York. Covering the NFL, NFL Draft, NBA, MLB, and Combat Sports
As the 2026 NFL Draft now gets closer, there are increased discussions surrounding what teams could potentially trade up for talents they know they are out of the range to get. One of the teams that are now actively being reported as one looking to trade up is the Dallas Cowboys.Â
With Dallas holding two first round picks, they make sense as a team that has the capital to move up to grab a generational defensive talent.
The Cardinals and Cowboys have conducted early trade talks centered around the No. 3 overall pick, per @McShay13.
Dallas would be targeting Texas Tech pass rusher David Bailey. pic.twitter.com/e0VaugHvgR
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) April 3, 2026
One team that could entertain a trade with the Cowboys is the Arizona Cardinals, and as a result, they could look to land Ty Simpson with this trade.
TWSN Key Points
Player: Ty Simpson
Team: Arizona Cardinals
Event: 2026 NFL Draft
Potential Cardinals-Cowboys Trade Package
Arizona Cardinals Receive: 13th overall pick, 20th overall pick
Dallas Cowboys Receive: 3rd overall pick
To trade into the top three, the draft capital would have to be intriguing. The Cardinals have been linked to taking a tackle in the first round, but at third overall it would’ve been a bit of a reach. Going back to 13th overall leaves them in a spot where they can take a top tackle, but also gain extra draft capital to advance other areas of the team.
For the Cowboys, this leads them to be in a spot where they can draft a player like David Bailey, Sonny Styles, Caleb Downs, or Rueben Bain and get the franchise defensive cornerstone they have been missing.
Why This Trade Could Lead to the Cardinals Drafting Ty Simpson
The Cardinals are entering a new era with Mike LaFleur as their head coach. With LaFleur being an offensive-minded head coach, figuring out the quarterback position for the future will be important. They released Kyler Murray, but still had Jacoby Brissett under contract and also added Gardner Minshew.
Both Brissett and Minshew are just bridge quarterbacks, so they need to get another quarterback in the room to stat building around for the future. If they land another backend first round pick, it gives them flexibility to draft Simpson there.
Simpson has the ability to be a franchise quarterback due to his ability to throw to all three levels of the field, and he plays with a confidence that helps him lead the offense effectively. On top of that, he brings some athleticism as a runner, which allows him to extend plays when things breakdown.
He still has areas in which he needs to works on, but entering an offense like LaFleur’s where he wouldn’t be rushed into starting would help him develop into the franchise quarterback he has the potential to be.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would the Arizona Cardinals trade down from No. 3 overall?
Trading down would allow the Cardinals to add more first-round draft capital while still staying in a range where they could address a major need like offensive tackle. It would also give them more flexibility to build out the roster instead of forcing one pick at No. 3.
Why would the Dallas Cowboys want to move up to No. 3 overall?
The Cowboys could look to move up in order to secure a true elite defensive talent before another team has the chance to take one. With two first-round picks, Dallas has the draft capital needed to make that kind of aggressive move.
Why does Ty Simpson make sense for the Cardinals?
Simpson makes sense because Arizona needs a long-term quarterback option. With Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew viewed more as short-term bridge quarterbacks, Simpson could come in, develop behind them, and eventually grow into the franchise starter.
What makes Ty Simpson an intriguing 2026 NFL Draft prospect?
Simpson has the tools teams look for in a potential franchise quarterback. He can throw to all three levels of the field, shows confidence running an offense, and has enough mobility to extend plays when protection breaks down.
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TWSN writer and editor currently based in Cincinnati, Ohio, and originally from Upstate New York. Covering the NFL, NFL Draft, NBA, MLB, and Combat Sports