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NFL·April 23, 2026 08:27 PM ET

Cardinals to stay put at No. 3 overall in NFL Draft, Schefter reports

Arizona holds draft position amid trade rumors.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Apr 241 min read
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Arizona holds draft position amid trade rumors. Video

What happened: NFL Network's Adam Schefter reports the Arizona Cardinals will not trade out of the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The team has been linked to several top prospects but appears set to select on the clock. This decision ends speculation about moving down for additional picks.

Why it matters: Staying at No. 3 allows Arizona to target a blue-chip talent to accelerate their rebuild after a 4-13 finish in 2025. It impacts draft, with tightening on quarterback and edge rusher prospects. Historically, teams holding top-5 picks post-trade rumors often land franchise changers.

By the numbers: Draft position: No. 3 overall (earned via 4-13 record, NFC West last). Top #3 QB Shedeur Sanders, EDGE James Pearce Jr., OT Kelvin Banks.

What to watch: Watch Cardinals' selection at No. 3, expected within next 10 picks. Monitor reactions from teams behind eyeing trade-ups.

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