The Pittsburgh Steelers are navigating a tricky quarterback situation as they await clarity on Aaron Rodgers’ future with the team. Regardless of Rodgers’ decision, insiders suggest the Steelers are actively scouting quarterback prospects ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
One name gaining traction is Ty Simpson, the former Alabama standout who might just be in play for the Steelers’ No. 21 overall pick. Reports indicate that Pittsburgh has been keeping a close eye on Simpson throughout the 2025 season, showing genuine interest in this intriguing quarterback.
Simpson had a standout season, throwing for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and just five interceptions in his first full year as a starter for the Crimson Tide. However, his late-season performance raised some eyebrows.
He completed only 49% of his passes in the SEC championship loss to Georgia, with four of his five interceptions occurring in the final six games. This inconsistency, coupled with some injury concerns, has sparked discussions about his readiness for the NFL.
Despite these challenges, Simpson is widely regarded as the second-best quarterback in this draft class, just behind Fernando Mendoza from Indiana. Mendoza is expected to go first overall to the Las Vegas Raiders, leaving Simpson as a prime target for teams needing a quarterback.
For the Steelers, the decision on Simpson might come down to timing and conviction. They need to assess whether he’s the right fit for their future or if it’s wiser to wait for a potentially deeper quarterback class in 2027.
With Rodgers’ future still uncertain and draft evaluations heating up, the Steelers’ interest in Simpson could be a pivotal storyline as they look to find their next franchise quarterback.