Cardinals reportedly in talks with teams about moving down in NFL Draft

On that note, the Cardinals have been in discussions about moving No. 4. They have spoken to three teams about moving down, SI.com’s Albert Breer notes, adding a fourth club is expected to inquire about the selection. 

With three QBs likely to be off the board by No. 3, the Cardinals hold the gateway for a fourth, which would make this draft the first in NFL history to start QB-QB-QB-QB.

Given what we have heard about a few teams’ hopes in this draft, it is not too difficult to guess who the Cardinals have talked to about a trade.

The Vikings have not made it a secret they are interested in moving up, having acquired an extra first-round pick to help them make a strong effort to find a long-term Kirk Cousins replacement. The Giants continue to talk up Daniel Jones confidence, but they have done extensive work on QBs.

Ditto Denver, which probably should still be considered a candidate to move up despite its low-cost Zach Wilson acquisition. The Raiders have been tabbed as being interested in Jayden Daniels; while a Daniels-Antonio Pierce reunion remains unlikely, Las Vegas may not be prepared to merely sit and wait until it goes on the clock at No. 13.

The Cards agreed to the deals with the Texans and Titans last year when they were on the clock; Ossenfort and Co. are not planning to change up their strategy this year. Arizona will not make a deal for No. 4 until it goes on the clock, Breer adds, though the team will hope to have trade parameters worked out ahead of that point. 

Teams regularly set up trades based on draft-board expectations, helping deals move across the goal line on draft night.

A move down would naturally benefit a rebuilding Cardinals team, with a future first-rounder — particularly if the Vikings (No. 11), Broncos (No. 12) or Raiders (No. 13) enter the fray — being automatic in a trade. 

More assets, based on what it cost the 49ers to climb from No. 12 to No. 3 for Trey Lance three years ago (two future first-rounders and a third), will likely be required. But the Cardinals are also not a lock to move this pick, adding more intrigue into these pre-draft talks.

Links to Marvin Harrison Jr. persist, with Breer adding many expect the Ohio State wide receiver to end up with the Cardinals if they stay at No. 4. The Cardinals hosted Harrison and were linked to staying at No. 4 and drafting him recently. This could depend on the quality of the offers the team receives, as other receivers — though, not ones on Harrison’s prospect level — will be available if the team moves out of the top 10.

A deal to slide out of No. 4 and then climb back up the board for a wideout could also be in the cards. The team made a similar move last year, moving from No. 3 to No. 12 and then back to No. 6, with Paris Johnson being the target. 

Adding prime assets for No. 4 this year would give the Cardinals that opportunity, if they are set on acquiring one of this draft’s top receivers. Teams are wondering if Arizona will take this route, and buzz about the Cardinals’ receiver interest has indeed surfaced over the past few days.