NFL Trade Rumors: Cardinals Have Multiple Offers for No 3 Pick amid C.J. Stroud Buzz

The Arizona Cardinals are weighing "trade offers from multiple teams" for the No. 3 overall selection in the 2022 NFL draft, according to ESPN's Dianna Russini.

Pro Football Talk's Michael David Smith reported C.J. Stroud has emerged as the betting favorite for the third pick. ESPN's Todd McShay and Mel Kiper Jr. both projected the Tennessee Titans to trade up and select the Ohio State star there.

This is yet another sign the Houston Texans plan to pass on a quarterback.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Monday the Texans' plans were shrouded in secrecy. He added the Cardinals would be in an advantageous position if Houston focused on a position other than QB, since that would mean Stroud, Will Levis and Anthony Richardson would all still be available at No. 3.

On Thursday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Sports reported Houston performed its due diligence on Stroud and that "he isn't the Texans' first choice at quarterback":

"If the Texans were to draft Stroud, sources emphasized, it would be considered a major surprise at this point and a departure from the direction they've been headed in during the latter stages of the draft process. Not drafting Stroud is not expected to have anything to do with him being represented by David Mulugheta, former Texans Pro Bowl quarterback Deshaun Watson's Austin-based agent. It would simply be a football decision based on Stroud's ability to process on the fly, read defenses and run the Kyle Shanahan-Gary Kubiak offense being installed by offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik."

Wilson went on to write the Titans was "exploring" a deal with Arizona in order to move up from No. 11 and get Stroud.

You'd assume the Cardinals would love to trade because they don't really need the No. 3 pick.

Kyler Murray could miss the start of the 2023 season as he continues to recover from a torn ACL, but he's still the franchise quarterback. It wouldn't make much sense for Arizona to remain in its present position and get another QB.

Falling back a few spots, even a little outside of the top 10, wouldn't mean sacrificing a lot of value, either. There isn't a prospect who stands head and shoulders above the rest and demands staying at No. 3.

The Cardinals hired a new head coach and general manager this offseason, and their starting quarterback is recuperating from a major injury. They're looking at a year of retooling — if not Year 1 of a total rebuild.

Turning their first-rounder into multiple assets would help GM Monti Ossenfort and coach Jonathan Gannon build for the future.