How Cowboys Could Wreck Steelers' 2026 NFL Draft Plans with Massive Trade

For teams that want to move up or back to draft Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft, the Dallas Cowboys' No. 20 overall pick could be a prime target.

The overwhelming expectation is Simpson won't go early in the first round in April, but it's not crazy to think teams could take a swing on him in the second half of Day 1.

Two teams that might be eyeing Simpson are the Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Rams, both of whom were connected to potential interest in Simpson by Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com.

"Arizona is the team that makes the most sense for Ty Simpson. The question is when would they pull the trigger? The Rams are the other team I'd keep an eye on," Jeremiah said.

Arizona is the team that makes the most sense for Ty Simpson. The question is when would they pull the trigger? The Rams are the other team I'd keep an eye on.
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) March 31, 2026

The Cardinals aren't likely to take Simpson with the No. 3 overall pick, but they could definitely look to move up from the second selection of Round 2 if they aren't convinced he makes it that far.

Meanwhile, the Rams sport the No. 13 overall pick, which just so happens to be one spot behind the Cowboys' initial first-round pick. That makes them a prime candidate to trade back if they believe Simpson will still be on the board later in the round.

Cowboys could wreck the Steelers' plans

Quarterback Ty Simpson throws during Pro Day in the Hank Crisp Indoor Practice Facility at the University of Alabama. — Alabama Quarterback Ty Simpson. | Gary Cosby Jr. / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been viewed as a team that could draft Simpson with the No. 21 overall pick, and it makes sense because Pittsburgh doesn't have a long-term solution at quarterback on its roster.

If the Cardinals are concerned the Steelers are going to take their guy, Arizona could offer a package to Dallas to move up in front of Pittsburgh at No. 20.

But that package would have to be massive for the Cowboys to move back all the way into the second round. We're talking Arizona's second- and third-round picks, and then some.

While unlikely, we wouldn't say it's impossible, and for multiple reasons.

If the Cardinals believe in Simpson enough, we could see general manager Monti Ossenfort breaking the bank to get him.

Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. — Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Adding to that, the Cowboys might be willing to deal if they don't like anyone on the board. Dallas also only has one Day 2 pick, so the Cowboys could add two more, and possibly an extra 2027 selection ahead of a draft that is expected to be much better.

When it comes to a possible Rams-Cowboys trade, that is a more realistic scenario. After all, the Cowboys need to be as aggressive as possible when it comes to adding talent on defense in the draft, and especially immediate-impact talent.

Making a move up to No. 13 and having back-to-back picks increases the chances Dallas accomplishes that goal.

In the process, the Rams can avoid taking Simpson too early while adding more draft capital and ensuring the Steelers don't grab Simpson before the Rams get another crack at him.