The cold, hard reality of the NFL is that it’s hard to have sustained success without a franchise quarterback. And no, we aren’t talking about just going 9-8 every season. If you want to win multiple playoff games each season and actually contend for a Super Bowl, you need to have a quarterback who can elevate the talent around them in the biggest moments. That’s not something the Pittsburgh Steelers have had in a long time.
Pittsburgh has tried just about everything to solve that issue, including drafting a quarterback in Round 1 (Kenny Pickett), taking shots on former first-round picks (Justin Fields, Mitchell Trubisky), and signing two future Hall of Fame quarterbacks who were well past their prime (Russell Wilson, Aaron Rodgers).
But the best path forward for the franchise is to continue to swing on a quarterback early in the draft. And while the 2026 NFL Draft isn’t loaded with quarterbacks, there is one who could be available in the middle part of the draft that would solve their problems.
Ty Simpson could be the QB of the future for the Steelers
The expectation is that the Steelers will select their next franchise quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, but who are the top candidates for Pittsburgh? Fernando Mendoza and Dante Moore (if he declares) could be picks 1-2 in the upcoming draft, and even if Pittsburgh loses out, they won’t be close enough to draft either player. But those aren’t the only quarterbacks worth watching for next year’s draft.
In a recent mock draft by Dane Brugler of The Athletic, he had the Steelers selecting Ty Simpson, the quarterback from the Alabama Crimson Tide, with pick No. 14. Here is a snippet of why Brugler believes this would be a home-run selection for the Steelers in Round 1:
"Even if his inexperience is an understandable concern, Simpson processes quickly, negotiates pressure and gives his receivers chances to make plays. It wouldn’t be surprising if he returns to Tuscaloosa, but there will be several interested teams in the top half of Round 1 if he declares."Dane Brugler, The Athletic
Despite the limited experience, it’s hard not to be impressed by what Simpson has done this season. Not only has he led Alabama to a 10-2 record and a trip back to the SEC Championship Game, but he’s thrown 25 touchdowns to just four interceptions and is averaging nearly 8.0 yards per attempt.
Simpson is going to need time to sit and learn in the NFL, but he has the tools to be a franchise quarterback in the right offense. If he does declare for the draft, he would be in contention to be one of the top quarterbacks selected and could make for the ideal draft target for the Steelers. Be sure to keep an eye on Simpson this weekend when Alabama takes on Georgia for the SEC title.