Draft season is in full swing, with the majority of pre-draft events, like the combine, pro days, and private workouts, now in the books. Teams are finalizing their boards with about a month to go until the first round kicks off, and one of the more intriguing quarterback evaluations belongs to Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson.
Simpson isn’t universally viewed as the best QB, currently sitting behind Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza on PFSN’s Consensus Big Board, but his combination of efficiency, decision-making, and accuracy as a passer makes him a strong candidate to thrive if he lands in the right situation.
Here are three potential landing spots that make a lot of sense for the Crimson Tide product.
Best NFL Draft Landing Spots for Ty Simpson
Arizona Cardinals: A Logical Destination
The Arizona Cardinals stand out as one of the most logical destinations. After moving on from former No. 1 overall pick Kyler Murray, who’s now with the Vikings, Arizona faces a clear need at quarterback that it didn’t know it would have.
For a team holding the No. 3 overall pick, selecting Simpson there may be considered too rich for his current value as a prospect. However, the Cardinals also possess an early pick in the second round, which gives them some flexibility to either draft him then or trade back into the late first, exactly as the New York Giants did with Jaxson Dart in the 2025 NFL Draft.
With new head coach Mike LaFleur in place, Arizona has an opportunity to reset at the position under the offensive guru to see what he can do with “his guy.” Simpson could either compete early for snaps or develop behind a veteran bridge quarterback while learning the system. His steady play style would fit well in a structured offense looking to rebuild from the ground up.
Pittsburgh Steelers: An Ideal Developmental Environment
A pairing between Simpson and the Pittsburgh Steelers almost feels too perfect. Pittsburgh made the playoffs last season with Aaron Rodgers under center at 41, but now, at 42, his future remains uncertain. Whether Rodgers retires or returns for one more run, the Steelers still need to adjust and get ready for the future at the position after swinging and missing on a few quarterbacks in recent memory.
Enter new head coach Mike McCarthy, who replaces Mike Tomlin. McCarthy’s track record with quarterbacks speaks volumes. He has developed and coached names like Hall of Famer Brett Favre and soon-to-be Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers, while maintaining consistent offensive production during his tenure with the Dallas Cowboys alongside Dak Prescott.
For Simpson, this would be an ideal developmental environment with an experienced head coach who knows how to get the most out of his players. He wouldn’t be forced into action immediately, but he could grow within a stable, playoff-caliber roster, a scenario that has historically produced success for young quarterbacks.
New York Jets: A High-Upside Fit
The New York Jets are perhaps the most fascinating and polarizing landing spot. There’s no denying the need at quarterback, especially after a 2025 season in which the passing attack ranked at the bottom of the league, finishing 32nd in the NFL. Simpson’s production at Alabama (3,567 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and just 5 interceptions) would represent a massive upgrade in efficiency for a struggling unit that has been in desperate need of a franchise player at the position.
However, the hesitation comes from timing.
The Jets hold significant draft capital, including multiple first-round picks in 2027, when the quarterback class is widely expected to be stronger. That creates a dilemma for head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey, who may not have the luxury of waiting if the team underperforms again.
The good news? New York wouldn’t need to force the pick early. With selections at No. 2 and No. 16, plus multiple second-rounders, the Jets could target Simpson on Day 2.
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That approach gives them flexibility, allowing Simpson to develop without the immediate pressure of being the locked-in starter by 2027.
If he hits, the Jets solve their biggest problem. If not, they still retain the flexibility to pivot in a stronger quarterback class.
