Arizona Cardinals Target Multiple Prospects in 2026 NFL Draft The Arizona Cardinals, after releasing Kyler Murray, face a critical need for a franchise quarterback as they prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft, which begins April 23. The team’s draft strategy includes seven selections, spanning from the third overall pick to the 217th, with the potential to address multiple positional gaps. While the quarterback position remains their top priority, the Cardinals also seek help at running back, guard, right tackle, inside linebacker, defensive tackle, and slot receiver. The Cardinals’ first-round pick, at No. 3, is among the most coveted in the draft, but the landscape for quarterbacks is limited. Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner and national champion, is expected to be selected first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders. Scouts believe there is little depth behind Mendoza at the position, making it unlikely the Cardinals will find a high-grade quarterback in the early rounds. However, the team’s general manager, Monti Ossenfort, could explore trading down from the third pick to accumulate more assets or make strategic moves with their remaining selections. Beyond quarterback, the Cardinals’ needs include a reliable right tackle to complement Paris Johnson Jr., a versatile edge rusher to bolster their defensive line, and a slot receiver to upgrade their passing game. The draft class offers several options across all rounds, with the following prospects standing out for each of the team’s picks: Round 2 (Pick 34): Max Iheanachor, an offensive tackle from Arizona State, is a local standout who could step in as a Week 1 starter at right tackle if the Cardinals pass on Francis Mauigoa in Round 1. T.J.#las_vegas_raiders #arizona_cardinals #kyler_murray #fernando_mendoza #monti_ossenfort
The NFL’s trade market is already in motion before the official start of the new league year, with multiple trades, contract restructures, and roster cuts reshaping teams. Quarterback Kyler Murray of the Cardinals will be released next week, avoiding $19.5 million in guaranteed money, while Patriots receiver Stefon Diggs is also expected to be cut. The Chiefs have traded cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Rams for a first-round pick and plan to release starting right tackle Jawaan Taylor, both moves aimed at reshaping their roster as Patrick Mahomes recovers from a torn ACL. The Texans have sent tackle Tytus Howard to Cleveland and acquired running back David Montgomery from Detroit, signaling a busy offseason ahead. The trade market is expected to be highly active as teams with cap space and pressing needs seek to address weaknesses. With the free agent market and draft class lacking standout talent, creative solutions will be necessary. The following 23 players are likely to be central to this offseason’s transactions, from potential trade targets to players in limbo. Tua Tagovailoa, the Miami Dolphins’ quarterback, remains a contentious asset. His history of injuries, inconsistent production, and $54 million guaranteed salary in 2026 make him a difficult trade prospect. However, Miami could spread the cap hit over multiple seasons if he’s traded after June 1, potentially maximizing savings while finding a team in need. Despite his struggles, Tagovailoa’s potential as a long-term rebuild piece could attract interest, though few teams would pay top dollar for him as a backup. The Dolphins are likely to either retain him for another season or cut him this spring, with the latter option offering more flexibility.#nfl #stefon_diggs #trent_mcduffie #kyler_murray #jawaan_taylor
NFL insider notebook: Maxx Crosby trade buzz grows, plus Kyler Murray's next team and Mike Evans' market The trade market for NFL players is heating up, with Maxx Crosby emerging as a key figure in potential deals. The Raiders’ pass rusher, who has 68 tackles for loss over the past three seasons, is drawing interest from multiple teams, including the Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys. While Las Vegas has not shown eagerness to move Crosby this offseason, sources suggest the team is waiting for a trade that would include a first-round pick and additional assets. The Bears are positioned as a strong contender due to their draft capital and flexibility, though the outcome remains uncertain as the new league year begins March 11. Crosby’s contract, a three-year, $109.5 million extension signed in 2023, complicates the trade landscape. His $35.5 million average annual value is below the market peak, but if he plays under his current deal in 2026, it could make him more attractive to teams. A high-ranking source told CBS Sports that Crosby is likely to stay with the Raiders this season, which would sweeten offers for Las Vegas. However, if he demands a raise, the compensation for the Raiders could decrease. Meanwhile, Kyler Murray’s free agency is gaining momentum. The Cardinals’ decision to release Murray, expected to be finalized next week, opens the door for him to sign with a team willing to take on his $1.3 million veteran minimum contract. The Vikings are among the teams rumored to be pursuing Murray, who could challenge J.J. McCarthy for the starting quarterback role. His release also highlights the league’s willingness to move on from players with poor performance, particularly in cold-weather climates. D.J. Moore, the Bears’ wide receiver, is another player in the trade spotlight.#maxx_crosby #chicago_bears #las_vegas #dallas_cowboys #kyler_murray
