Who doesn't love hypothesizing about potential trades? As the NFL Draft draws closer, rumors are swirling about moves that different franchises could make.
Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort has never been afraid to wheel and deal, especially around the draft. With only six picks this year, the Cardinals could be set to make some moves in the coming weeks.
With this in mind, here are three trades that Arizona could make to continue building out a competitive roster.
Three trades the Arizona Cardinals could be set to make before the NFL Draft
Trade 1: Arizona gains draft capital for a small price
The Cardinals have limited draft capital to work with. If Monti Ossenfort's history is any indication, it likely won't stay that way. There are a few teams currently picking late in the first round who could be looking to move up.
The Houston Texans are in desperate need of help along the offensive line. By moving up to pick 16, they could ensure that they get one of the top offensive linemen in the class. Meanwhile, the Cardinals could pick up extra draft capital while still having options at positions of need.
Arizona has been listed by analysts as a likely trade-back candidate. The Houston Texans could be the perfect partner for a deal.
Trade 2: Cardinals get future assets to move back
If the Cardinals elect to move even further back in the first round, they could add high-value picks in a future draft. In this trade, Arizona moves to the end of the first round in exchange for a first-round pick in 2026.
Especially in a relatively weak draft class, the Cardinals should be motivated to add picks in later years.
Like the Texans in our first trade, the Chiefs could be looking to upgrade their offensive front early in the draft. Don't be surprised if Arizona has multiple suitors for the 16th pick come draft day.
Trade 3: Cardinals take a big swing for an All-Pro receiver
Take a moment to roll your eyes. Cardinals fans are all too familiar with moves for aging stars whose best playing years are behind them. In all likelihood, a trade for Tyreek Hill is not on the table. Even if it is, the move probably isn’t worth making for Arizona. There are plenty of field-stretching receivers available in the NFL Draft.
Let's ignore reason for a time and imagine what Tyreek Hill would do for Arizona's offense. With Hill's ability to beat defenses over the top, acres of space would be created underneath safeties for Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride to take advantage of. This would instantly become one of the most dangerous passing offenses in the NFL.
Back to reality. Hill's cap hit in 2026 is over $50 million. The Cardinals are much better off using cheaper methods of building out their receiving group.