The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering a new era with Mike McCarthy at the helm, but the quest remains the same: finding the franchise's next standout quarterback. Last season, the Steelers brought in former Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard. While Aaron Rodgers was leading the charge as the starter, Howard spent his time as the emergency quarterback, waiting for his moment.
Now, with Rodgers contemplating his future-whether it’s retirement or a move to another team-the door might be opening for Howard to step up as the starter for the 2026 season. However, he’s not the only contender in the mix. The Steelers have reportedly set their sights on a promising prospect from the upcoming rookie class.
According to ESPN's Louis Riddick, there's a lot of buzz around Ty Simpson. "I like Will Howard, but Ty Simpson is on another level when it comes to throwing the football," Riddick shared on NFL Live.
"Considering how he finished the season-despite dealing with injuries, an inconsistent offensive line, a lackluster running game, and a fluctuating receiver corps-he showcased his potential. His comeback against Oklahoma, rallying from a 17-point deficit, was nothing short of impressive."
Simpson seems to fit McCarthy’s system like a glove, and given McCarthy's history with developing quarterbacks, the evaluation process will be intriguing. Riddick believes Simpson is a strong candidate, not a reach at the 21st pick, and could even be selected earlier.
A training camp showdown between Simpson and Howard could be exactly what the Steelers need to identify their next leading man, especially if Rodgers decides to step away. This competition might just ignite the spark Pittsburgh is looking for in their quarterback room.