The Pittsburgh Steelers are staring down a massive franchise pivot. Aaron Rodgers delivered a playoff appearance last season, but building a bridge to the next era is priority No. 1 for the front office. Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson looks like the exact developmental prospect to anchor that future.
Ty Simpson Is a Perfect Match for Mike McCarthy
PFSN’s Ryan Guthrie recently broke down the synergy between the Alabama standout and Pittsburgh’s current roster construction, calling the potential draft pick an obvious fit.
“A pairing between Simpson and the Pittsburgh Steelers almost feels too perfect,” Guthrie noted.
The urgency stems from the reality of its veteran-heavy quarterback room. The front office knows it is operating on borrowed time.
“Pittsburgh made the playoffs last season with Aaron Rodgers under center at 41, but now, at 42, his future remains uncertain,” Guthrie added. “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.”
Simpson’s Developmental Runway With the Steelers
The biggest shift in Pittsburgh isn’t just under center: It is on the headset. The recent coaching turnover completely changes how the organization handles rookie development and offensive scheme.
Guthrie continued, “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.”
Simpson possesses undeniable arm talent and athleticism. Last season, he threw 28 touchdowns and flashed the raw tools NFL talent evaluators obsess over, taking his overall tally to 33 total touchdowns in four seasons with the Crimson Tide.
He concluded the 2025 season with 3,567 yards, ranking 25th overall in PFSN’s CFB QB Impact Metrics.
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“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,” Guthrie concluded. “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.”
Pittsburgh has to stop applying temporary fixes to the most important position on the field. Drafting Simpson gives the franchise a clear, calculated path back to title contention without sacrificing its current competitive window.
