Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort speaks at the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Getty
The Cardinals GM gave no hints on the plan with Kyler Murray this offseason.
After releasing quarterback Kyler Murray, ending a disappointing tenure, the Arizona Cardinals are in desperate need of a young quarterback.
As of now, Arizona has no clear plan for the future of the position. With the No. 3 overall pick in the upcoming draft, the Cardinals likely won’t have a chance to pick Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
But unlike many other drafts, there is no other quarterback worthy of being taken in the early first round, leaving the Cardinals with their hands tied behind their backs.
Many of the other quarterback prospects in this draft are developmental guys who probably won’t start with their teams right away.
This creates a problem for Arizona, with Jacoby Brissett having the most starting experience on the roster currently. Malik Willis could be an option in free agency.
However, an NFL analyst has hinted at another avenue for Arizona to pursue.
What Avenue Could the Arizona Cardinals Pursue?
NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah reported that the Cardinals met with quarterback prospect Ty Simpson. The former Alabama quarterback could be an option after No. 3 overall for Arizona.
“Ty Simpson had a really solid throwing workout in Indy,” Jeremiah tweeted. “I have him as early 2nd rd guy, but I think there are a couple good fits for him. AZ trade up late 1 (we talked about this at combine) or (ducks, turns off notifications) Vikings move back from 18 and take him.”
The Cardinals have the No. 34 overall pick in the second round. But they may need to leapfrog some other teams into the late first round if they want Simpson that badly.
The New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers also need a quarterback, but may be unwilling to select one in the first round as well.
Simpson said he had a great interview with Arizona at the combine in Indianapolis, which bodes well for his character.
But does Simpson fit the vision general manager Monti Ossenfort has for the team?
What Would Simpson Bring to the Valley?
Simpson was only a one-year starter at Alabama, but showed out in 2025.
During that season, Simpson passed for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns and five interceptions
At 6-foot-1 and 211 pounds, Simpson is not an imposing figure in the pocket, but still better than Murray.
According to his prospect profile page, he has good footwork and release, and is above-average as a processor and decision-maker.
However, his timing needs work, and his success could be limited by his average arm strength. He also tends to hold the ball too long, leading to unnecessary sacks.
With no transcendent quarterback prospect other than possibly Mendoza in this year’s draft, the Cardinals may be rushing things by trading up for Simpson.
While a rebuild is frustrating, the Cardinals may have a more fruitful endeavor by building the trenches through the draft.
Texas’ Arch Manning, Ohio State’s Julian Sayin and Oregon’s Dante Moore could be better options for Arizona in 2027.
If they wait until 2027 to select a quarterback, they will likely have more quality options in store for them, assuming they acquire another top pick.