**GLENDALE - The Arizona Cardinals are at a crossroads this offseason, and all eyes are on General Manager Monti Ossenfort. After a tough 3-14 season, head coach Jonathan Gannon was let go, but Ossenfort remains, tasked with steering the franchise in a new direction.
The upcoming 2026 NFL Draft is a pivotal moment for him and the team. **
Holding the third pick in this year's draft, Ossenfort has been tight-lipped about his plans. At the NFL Draft Combine, he hinted at the possibility of trading down, saying, “Who knows if we’re even going to be picking at number 3.”
This strategy isn't new for Ossenfort. Back in 2023, he traded the third overall pick to the Houston Texans, securing multiple picks in return, including a future first-rounder.
While the trade seemed like a smart move at the time, it didn't quite pay off for the Cardinals. The Texans used that pick to select Will Anderson Jr., who became an All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler, helping Houston to a 10-7 record in 2024.
Meanwhile, the Cardinals' acquired picks didn't yield the same level of success. Darius Robinson, the player selected with Houston's first-round pick, has struggled to make an impact.
The ripple effect of that trade led to several more moves by Ossenfort, resulting in the acquisition of players like Paris Johnson Jr., BJ Ojulari, Isaiah Adams, and Garrett Williams. While Johnson and Williams have shown promise, none have matched Anderson's impact.
Adding to the challenge, Ossenfort traded away the 12th and 34th picks to the Detroit Lions, who selected Pro Bowlers Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta. These trades have undeniably helped turn around other franchises, but the Cardinals are still searching for their breakthrough.
Now, with another chance to reshape the roster, Ossenfort faces a critical decision. The team’s recent struggles suggest that trading down for need-based picks might not be the best approach. Instead, securing a top-tier talent could be essential for turning the franchise's fortunes around.
As the draft approaches, the pressure is on Ossenfort to make the right call. The Cardinals' future could hinge on whether they choose to stick with their high draft position or trade down once again. Whatever the decision, it's clear that this offseason is a defining moment for both Ossenfort and the Cardinals.