The 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals are NFC West opponents who face each other twice a season, and both have their sights set on overtaking the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams within the division.
But the 49ers and Cardinals are on different timelines to achieve that goal.
For the 49ers, there is a sense of urgency. The Cardinals’ aim might be more of a long-term goal.
The organizations could come together on the first day of the 2026 NFL Draft for the best interests of both teams.
The Cardinals have two veteran quarterbacks on their roster: Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew.
They have started a combined 112 games, but neither is considered a long-term, high-level quarterback.
In his first season as Cardinals head coach, Mike LaFleur should be looking to draft a quarterback who can develop for a year before taking over as the team’s starter.
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson could be the player who is the best fit for the Cardinals under LaFleur.
Simpson is a one-year starter who completed 305 of 473 passes (64.5 percent) for 3,567 yards with 28 touchdowns and five interceptions as a senior.
The Cardinals were one of the teams some speculated could be interested in dealing with the 49ers for Mac Jones. NFL.com’s draft profile identifies Jones as Simpson’s closest NFL comparison.
Arizona figures to value many of the same traits the 49ers want from their quarterbacks.
After all, LaFleur spent seven seasons with Kyle Shanahan before leaving the 49ers in 2021 to serve as Robert Saleh’s offensive coordinator with the New York Jets.
Simpson is considered a borderline first-round draft pick. The Cardinals would likely have to trade back into the first round in order to assure themselves of acquiring Simpson.
The 49ers’ first-round pick is at No. 27 overall. San Francisco has six total scheduled draft picks as of Tuesday.
They have an opening to add a starter at left guard and, perhaps, safety. The 49ers also need to add significant contributors along the defensive line, beginning with another player or two who can get after the quarterback.
The 49ers can also add at wide receiver, tight end and cornerback.
If the 49ers trade out of the first round, they would have the ability to add some good talent at several different positions of need.
If the 49ers were to swing a deal with the Cardinals, one fair scenario is for the 49ers to give up No. 27 in exchange for the Cardinals’ picks in the second round (No. 34), fourth round (No. 104) and fifth round (No. 143).
The strength of the draft is considered to be in the middle rounds, and the 49ers would have a concentration of six picks from No. 104 to No. 143.
The deal could be the ultimate win-win. The Cardinals could secure their quarterback while the 49ers could gain some much-needed, top-level, young talent.
49ers’ current draft picks
1st Rd – No. 27
2nd Rd – No. 58
4th Rd – No. 127
4th Rd – No. 133
4th Rd – No. 138
4th Rd – No. 139
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