Arizona Cardinals at a Quarterback Crossroads for 2026 NFL Draft
The Arizona Cardinals are navigating a significant transition in their quarterback room, setting the stage for a critical decision in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Longtime starter Kyler Murray has departed for the Minnesota Vikings, where he will compete with J.J. McCarthy for the starting role, potentially leaving Carson Wentz as the backup. This move has created uncertainty in Arizona, as the franchise has refrained from naming a definitive QB1 for the upcoming season.
Current Quarterback Dynamics and Offseason Moves
In Arizona, Jacoby Brissett, who served as Murray's backup, is seeking a starter opportunity and has not participated in the team's offseason program. To address depth, the Cardinals signed Gardner Minshew, formerly Patrick Mahomes' backup with the Kansas City Chiefs. However, with no clear starter announced, speculation is mounting that Arizona might draft a quarterback who could develop into a long-term solution by 2026 and beyond.
Top Prospect: Alabama's Ty Simpson
The primary candidate linked to the Cardinals is Ty Simpson, a standout quarterback from the Alabama Crimson Tide. Arizona's general manager, Monti Ossenfort, emphasized that the team values accuracy and decision-making in a draft QB, noting that each year brings different styles and projections from college to the NFL. According to Sports Illustrated's Donnie Druin, the Cardinals have shown interest in Simpson since late in the 2025 regular season, even before head coach Jonathan Gannon was fired and while Murray was still on the roster.
Simpson fits the "different" criterion Arizona seeks, as demonstrated by his appearance on Jon Gruden's "Gruden's QB Class" show, where he discussed using a disguised "stumblebum" technique—a trick to distract pass rushers by pretending to fumble, similar to a method used by Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson. Standing at 6-foot-1 and 211 pounds, Simpson may lack ideal size, but Yahoo Sports' Nate Tice reports he shows resilience, standing in to deliver throws and taking hits courageously.
Alternative Option: North Dakota State's Cole Payton
Another prospect in the mix is Cole Payton, a quarterback from North Dakota State. NFL Network's Aaron Wilson reported that Payton has visited multiple teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers and Indianapolis Colts, and has met extensively with the Philadelphia Eagles, Arizona Cardinals, and New York Jets. The Eagles, despite having Jalen Hurts, face offensive friction and could seek a QB, while the Jets, after losing Justin Fields and acquiring Geno Smith—who has injury concerns—might target a rookie for depth.
For Arizona, Cardinals Wire's Jess Root notes that Payton is projected as a Day 3 pick, potentially available in the fourth round. If the Cardinals do not select Simpson early in the draft, they could opt for Payton as a later-round option, given they hold picks in every round.
Decision Time for the Cardinals
The question remains: will Arizona choose Ty Simpson or Cole Payton? With Brissett's future uncertain and Minshew providing backup support, the draft decision could shape the franchise's quarterback strategy for years to come. As the days count down to the 2026 NFL Draft, only time will reveal which prospect the Cardinals will prioritize to lead their offense into the future.
