The Pittsburgh Steelers face a glaring decision at quarterback as the organization transitions out of the Mike Tomlin era, with uncertainty surrounding veteran Aaron Rodgers and the team still searching for long-term stability under center. One recent projection suggests the Steelers may look to the draft to identify their quarterback of the future.
Steelers Linked to Alabama QB Ty Simpson in 2026 Mock Draft Amid Aaron Rodgers Uncertainty
In a new three-round 2026 NFL mock draft, PFSN analyst Ryan Moran projected the Steelers selecting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 21st overall pick. Moran wrote:
“Aaron Rodgers’ future is up in the air. But even if the Pittsburgh Steelers bring him back, they need to look toward the future. Having Ty Simpson come in and develop under Mike McCarthy could provide the Steelers with the long-term answer they need. His start to the 2025 season was phenomenal.
“However, with only one year of starting experience in college, Simpson will likely need to be a backup early on. That said, his talent is undeniable, and he has the chance to develop into a franchise quarterback.”
The projection highlights how the Steelers could use the 2026 NFL Draft to begin shaping their next era at quarterback. Simpson accounted for 33 touchdowns during the 2025 season, further fueling the belief that he could develop into the Steelers’ quarterback of the future.
Simpson addressed his NFL readiness last week at the NFL Scouting Combine, pointing to his experience at Alabama as preparation for the next level.
“I’m ready. I’m a franchise quarterback,” Simpson said. “Alabama prepares you most for the NFL. I’ve run an NFL-type system. It definitely prepared me for saying those long play calls, saying those checks, making sure that I get us in the right protection. I’ve played against really good NFL players.”
Simpson also pointed to the level of competition he faced while developing inside the Crimson Tide program.
“I think about my freshman year, learning from the No. 1 overall pick and Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young,” Simpson said. “Going against defense on scout team, I got Will Anderson, Dallas Turner, Henry To’oTo’o. I got Kool-Aid McKinstry on one side and Terrion Arnold on the other side. The Alabama locker room was as close to an NFL locker room as you can get.”
Alabama posted an 11-4 record in Simpson’s lone season, leading the offense. The quarterback threw for 3,567 yards with 28 touchdowns and five interceptions, added two rushing touchdowns, and received an 85.4 score in PFSN’s College QB Impact Metric.
That combination of production and pedigree is part of why Simpson is viewed as a developmental quarterback with high upside. If the Steelers decide to invest in the position during the 2026 NFL Draft, the Alabama passer could become a long-term project with the potential to eventually lead the franchise.
