The Pittsburgh Steelers have been on a mission for several seasons now, with one clear goal in mind: finding their next franchise quarterback. With the NFL Draft making its debut in Pittsburgh, the stars seemed aligned for a significant move at the game's most pivotal position.
General Manager Omar Khan has been playing the long game, meticulously crafting a flexible draft strategy. Armed with 12 picks, including four compensatory ones, the Steelers are well-prepared to make a splash. The buzz was that this year would be the year to make that bold move.
But the 2026 quarterback class hasn't quite lived up to expectations. Big names like Dante Moore, Arch Manning, and LaNorris Sellers decided to stay in school.
Others, such as Cade Klubnik and Drew Allar, struggled with consistency. Garrett Nussmeier faced a tough season, dealing with injuries and a benching.
Beyond Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman winner and national champ expected to be snagged first by the Las Vegas Raiders, there's been little agreement on first-round quarterback talent. Yet, Ty Simpson's name keeps popping up.
If the Steelers see Simpson as their future star, sitting at pick No. 21 might not cut it. Teams like the New York Jets at pick 16 are also in the quarterback market, making patience a gamble.
The smart play could be moving up the draft board. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, sitting at pick No. 15, might be the perfect trade partner. A deal involving picks 21 and 53 could do the trick, though throwing in picks 85 and 121 might sweeten the pot while keeping a second-rounder in hand.
Let's be clear: this isn’t necessarily an endorsement of picking Simpson, nor does it reveal the Steelers' hand. The organization has been tight-lipped about its plans. But one thing is certain: franchise quarterbacks aren't found through hesitation.
If the Steelers are convinced Simpson is their guy, they won’t wait and hope he drops to them. They've spent years setting the stage for this moment. Letting it slip away-especially with the draft in their backyard-would contradict their strategy.
Mock drafts suggesting Simpson lands with Pittsburgh at No. 21 might be missing the bigger picture. If he's their target, expect the Steelers to make a move.
If not, they might hold steady and look ahead to next year's quarterback class. Standing pat seems the least likely scenario.