What We Really Learned About the Arizona Cardinals at NFL Owner's Meetings

PHOENIX — The 2026 NFL owners meetings are officially in the rearview mirror, and it feels like we've learned some things about the Arizona Cardinals in terms of their free agent process and the upcoming draft.

While general manager Monti Ossenfort and owner Michael Bidwill did not speak with reporters, the Cardinals did make head coach Mike LaFleur available for a 30 minute media session.

From LaFleur's comments and maybe rubbing elbows with a person or two, here's what we think about the Cardinals:

Kyler Murray Was Always Gone

Arizona Cardinals QB kyler murra — Oct 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) warms up before their game against the Tennessee Titans at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images | Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

LaFleur's comments on Kyler Murray had always been neutral at best since his introductory press conference, though when asked in Phoenix about Murray's official departure and if there were any talks of bringing him back, LaFleur's words were... interesting.

"We had discussions, Monti [Ossenfort] and I. We'll keep it at that," said LaFleur. "I'm not going to discuss what was discussed with Kyler and that group, but definitely had discussions about everything. You name it, we were talking about it."

The Cardinals tried their best to keep their intentions hidden with Murray up until the very moment they released him, though LaFleur's comments made it pretty clear he was never seriously in the running:

"Like I've said about Kyler, a lot of respect for him. Wish him the best. Did some good stuff here but sometimes it's time for change for both sides. Again, wish him the best. Will never wish ill will on anybody."

Not sure any of those words really give confidence Murray was a serious consideration before or after LaFleur took the job.

Don't be so sold on trading up for Ty Simpson

The Cardinals are heavily connected to the talents of Alabama Crimson Tide QB Ty Simpson, and the fit does make sense.

Arizona needs a future franchise quarterback and Simpson is the next best option after Fernando Mendoza. The Cardinals surely aren't taking Simpson at No. 3, though anything closer to their next selection at No. 34 feels a bit more realistic.

"Good dude. You get 18 minutes [in the combine interview]. With a quarterback you need about 18 hours, like 18 days in a row," LaFleur said of the team's meeting with Simpson.

"It was a good 18 minutes getting to know him. It was surface level."

It felt like LaFleur tried to downplay Simpson, and especially with interesting comments made on wanting quarterbacks who are able to deliver tough throws in the pocket with a tight and compact release, that's drawn questions on if Simpson is truly their next quarterback.

I don't think the Cardinals hate Simpson, but those comments make me believe they're not in love with him enough to trade up.

Cardinals Definitely Want to Trade Down

Arizona Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfor — Feb 24, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Cardinals plugged a lot of holes in free agency, according to LaFleur.

"We ended up just doing our draft stuff the other day, and we'll see where this thing goes. But again, I like where we're at from a roster standpoint. So you can kind of take that for what it is," LaFleur said.

Enough to not feel a strong direction at No. 3?

"... But at the same time, in my opinion, you don't have to go out and reach for anything now because of what Monti [Ossenfort] and the team did in terms of bringing in guys that have played a lot of football in this league and in enough competition where they can go in every single day and work and compete against each other."

Ossenfort — who said at the combine they're open for trading — is no stranger to trades either up or down the draft order, and with a number of directions the Cardinals can go this year. Judging by LaFleur's comments, Arizona's more than content with looking for a move down and getting extra capital with no true blue chip player available.