NEWSLETTER
The worst-kept secret in the NFL these days is that the Arizona Cardinals have zero desire to pick third overall in round one of the NFL Draft tonight. And according to Dianna Russini, they won’t have to! Russini says that the Cardinals are currently “mulling trade offers from multiple teams” this morning.
Russini didn’t link a team to the report, but you can be sure the Titans are among the interested parties. The Titans have long been speculated as a perfect trade partner for the Cardinals. Russini said on NFL Live on Wednesday that her impression from a sit-down with Titans GM Ran Carthon is that Tennessee has “their eyes on a QB, and they’ll do everything they can to go get him.”
With the Panthers zeroed in on Bryce Young, and many reports linking the Texans to Will Anderson Jr. at No. 2, Tennessee (or any other trade partner) will have their pick of the remaining quarterbacks not named Bryce Young at No. 3. That’s a solid position. Still, it’s a bargaining chip for the Cardinals, who can now leverage the quarterback-needy teams they’re talking to.
In Mel Kiper Jr.’s latest notebook at ESPN, Kiper says that the Titans are his favorite to pick No. 3. Kiper also said that the deal would be costly for Ran Carthon and the Titans.
“This deal would be costly for the Titans, likely involving pick Nos. 11 and 41 in this draft, a 2024 first-rounder, and a top pick in 2025. If they think they can get their quarterback of the future, it could be worth it.”
So, if the Titans do move up — and let’s be clear, they’re the favorite right now — I feel that Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud will be the pick. That would leave Will Levis, Anthony Richardson, and Hendon Hooker as potential first-round options under center.
Suppose the Texans do take Will Anderson at No. 2 or any non-quarterback. In that case, that trade and pick will force them to move up from No. 12 to ensure they land a quarterback. If that is their plan for tonight’s first round, anyhow.
Stay tuned, more information should be coming throughout the day!
