The Arizona Cardinals are eyeing potential future firepower for their offense, setting their sights on Oregon wide receiver Malik Benson ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. While the team didn't secure a premier deep threat this offseason, their recent virtual meeting with Benson signals a clear interest in adding explosive speed to the roster.
Benson, who met with every NFL team at the Shrine Bowl, followed up with a Zoom session specifically with the Cardinals, among others. His profile is built for big plays: standing at 6 feet and 189 pounds, he blazed a 4.37-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, showcasing the kind of game-changing acceleration that can stretch defenses vertically.
His collegiate journey has been a tour of top programs. After beginning at a junior college, he spent time at Alabama and Florida State before finding his stride with the Oregon Ducks. Last season was his most productive, hauling in 43 receptions for 719 yards and multiple touchdowns, proving he can be a reliable weapon in a high-powered offense.
Currently projected as a Day 3 selection, Benson represents the type of high-upside, speedy target that can be a draft-day steal. For a Cardinals team looking to build around quarterback Kyler Murray's dynamic skill set, adding a field-stretcher like Benson could be a strategic move to unlock the full potential of their passing attack. It's a situation worth monitoring as the draft approaches—this Oregon standout might just find his new home in the Arizona desert.
