Tempe, Arizona – Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort has never been shy about making moves on the draft board, and it appears that this year will be no different. Ossenfort’s willingness to trade up or down has been a staple of his approach in prior drafts, and as the 2026 NFL Draft draws nearer, there’s growing speculation that he could move down from the third overall pick.
At this year’s NFL Combine, Ossenfort hinted at the possibility of not staying put at No. 3, which only fueled the fire of trade rumors. Now, it looks like those rumors are starting to gain real traction, particularly with the Dallas Cowboys emerging as a key player in the potential trade. Could a blockbuster deal be on the horizon?
Cardinals and Cowboys Draft Trade Gaining Serious Momentum
On February 3, 2026, The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman published a mock draft that included a trade between the Arizona Cardinals and the Dallas Cowboys, with the Cowboys moving up from the 12th overall pick to No. 3. The move would see the Cardinals sliding down to No. 12, a decision that sparked significant debate across the league. While the trade proposal has received mixed reactions, it’s clear that the Dallas Cowboys are seriously considering the move.
NFL draft analyst Todd McShay echoed the growing buzz, discussing the likelihood of a Dallas trade up during his podcast. “Trading out of three remains one of the priorities for the Cardinals,” McShay said. “There’s a lot of buzz about Dallas trading up from 12 to three to get Bailey, right?”
McShay also noted that the Cowboys’ defense has been a major focus for them in recent years, and moving up for an edge rusher like Bailey (likely referring to Texas Tech’s standout pass rusher) makes sense. The idea of securing a high-impact player to add to their defensive line could be a major factor in the Cowboys’ decision to trade up.
What This Means for the Cardinals: A Gamble Worth Taking?
For the Cardinals, a move down to No. 12 could have significant ramifications. The team has pressing needs, especially at edge rusher opposite of Josh Sweat, and right tackle, which makes staying in the top 10 appealing. However, trading down offers a way to gain more draft capital and address those needs later in the draft, where the Cardinals could still find high-quality prospects.
If the Cardinals trade down, they would be passing on potential top-tier talent at edge rusher and tackle. Bailey is widely considered a strong fit for Arizona’s defense, and many believe he could be a key contributor as the team continues to build around its defensive line. But moving out of the top 10 comes with risks. The opportunity to secure elite talent at those positions might not present itself at No. 12, and the Cardinals would be gambling that they can still find similar value further down the board.
There is an argument, however, that this could be the year to trade down. With no clear-cut blue-chip prospects available that make immediate sense for Arizona at No. 3, the Cardinals could trade down and get solid value at positions of need. Ossenfort may see this as a chance to stockpile assets and fill multiple holes in the roster.
On the other hand, some argue that at this stage of the Cardinals’ rebuild, the team should prioritize the best player available at No. 3. This would allow the team to take the top prospect, whether that’s a pass rusher, offensive lineman, or another game-changer, without overthinking the need for more draft capital.
The Price Is Right: Will Ossenfort Pull the Trigger?
It’s clear that Ossenfort is leaning toward trading down, but the ultimate question is whether the price will be right. The Cowboys’ interest in moving up is legitimate, but Ossenfort will likely demand significant compensation to part with the third overall pick—especially considering the talent available at the top of the draft.
The idea of Bailey, or another high-profile edge rusher, joining the team is tempting for Arizona, but the potential to move down, gather more assets, and fill multiple needs at positions like tackle or cornerback could be just as appealing.
As the days tick down to the draft, Ossenfort will have to weigh the long-term benefits of building through the draft and the immediate need to strengthen the roster. The Cardinals’ front office will have to decide whether they want to take a swing on a high-caliber player now or secure future assets that can help build a more competitive team in the coming years.
One thing is for certain: as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the Arizona Cardinals are in the spotlight, and their next move could change the direction of the franchise for years to come.
