Cardinals Weighing Multiple Trade Offers For No. 3 Overall Pick

At least six teams are believed to have discussed the No. 3 overall pick with the Cardinals. On draft morning, the NFC West team has received multiple offers for the selection, Dianna Russini of ESPN.com reports (on Twitter).

Seeking to bolster their draft arsenal, as they have an established quarterback in Kyler Murray, the Cardinals have shopped the pick. But they have not yet traded it. The team seems likely to hold onto the choice until tonight, seeing as the Texans’ decision at No. 2 figures to impact teams’ final offers. With Houston leaning against selecting C.J. Stroud at 2, however, Arizona’s pick figures to generate interest with the Ohio State-developed passer still on the board.

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The Cards have been connected to this draft’s top offensive linemen, and ex-Stroud protector Paris Johnson is believed to be one of the team’s targets. Johnson, whom ESPN’s Scouts Inc. rates as the 12th-best prospect available, would make more sense as a pick later in the top 10 — as opposed to No. 3 overall. Arizona has its tackle tandem of the past three years — D.J. Humphries and Kelvin Beachum — under contract, though Beachum is going into his age-34 season. Other than re-signing Will Hernandez, who was originally a Steve Keim addition, the Cardinals have not made a notable O-line investment this offseason

As for the teams interesting in coming up to 3, the Titans may be in the driver’s seat. They have been the most aggressive team regarding trade-up calls, Albert Breer of SI.com adds. New Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort came over from the Titans, the other team to hire a GM this offseason. The Ran Carthon– and Mike Vrabel-led team, which currently holds the No. 11 overall choice, has been mentioned as team to monitor regarding a trade-up maneuver for weeks. Vrabel, an Ohio State alum, and Buckeyes HC Ryan Day are close. And Ryan Tannehill is believed to be available via trade. It would not be a lock the Titans move on from their four-year starter if they acquired the pick (and a quarterback), but one season remains on Tannehill’s contract. The team has not touched Tannehill’s 2023 salary yet, via a restructure, either.

A few prominent mock drafts have pegged the Titans as the team that will trade up to No. 3. They are believed to be interested in selecting Stroud. They are not the only team viewed as a suitor. The Raiders have done extensive homework on this year’s QB class, while the Falcons — their support for Desmond Ridder staying at QB1 notwithstanding — are also believed to be lurking here. Atlanta may not be interested in trading up for anyone but Stroud, seeing as Bryce Young is widely expected to go No. 1 to the Panthers. The Lions, who hold two first-round picks, joined the Falcons and Raiders in hosting Stroud on a pre-draft visit. A move to No. 3 would be designed around leapfrogging the Colts, whose desire to select a QB — be it Stroud or Will Levis — at No. 4 is not a secret.

The Cards hold five picks in the top 105, possessing two third-round choices, and have a bevy of needs to fill as they transition to a new regime. While the O-line may be an early focus, Arizona has needs at edge defender, on its defensive line and at cornerback. Over the past two offseasons, the Cards’ defense has lost J.J. Watt, Zach Allen, Byron Murphy and Chandler Jones. Safety Budda Baker has also requested a trade, though the team remains in contact with the disgruntled defender.