Steelers' Draft Buzz Gets Big Reality Check With Ty Simpson

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been in search of a franchise quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger retired following the 2021 season. After cycling through veteran quarterbacks and drafting Kenny Pickett, it looks like they will land on Aaron Rodgers once again in 2026, as he seems likely to return for another season. Rodgers is 42 and he doesn't have much time left in the league. The Steelers will eventually need his successor. Though 2025 draft pick Will Howard has caught the eye of Head Coach Mike McCarthy, draft experts still believe Pittsburgh could select a quarterback at No. 21 overall. Pundits say that this quarterback class is quite underwhelming however, with only one first-round-worthy player at the position.

Of the quarterbacks in the class, Ty Simpson is the player the franchise is often mocked to select by draft experts. Simpson will likely take time to develop, which the Steelers do not have. In 2025, Simpson started hot, but only regressed as the season went on. He stands at only 6'0" and weighs 200 pounds as well, which is small for professional quarterback standards. While small quarterbacks aren't always bad, Simpson lacks the rocket arm and freakish athleticism to justify a first-round selection, especially for a team like the Steelers, which still has glaring needs at wide receiver and along the offensive line.

Steelers insider Mark Kaboly recently hosted his show Kaboly + Mack and was adamant that the franchise would likely select a wide receiver early. He noted however, that they could target other positions depending on who's there on the draft board. He said the offensive line could be in play, as well as tight end Kenyon Sadiq. Chris Mack asked Kaboly what the likelihood was that the Steelers would draft Simpson. 

"Probably one percent, right, two. Remember last year at this time, no way Shedeur Sanders getting past the Pittsburgh Steelers," Kaboly explained. "He got past everybody about six times."

Shedeur Sanders had a generational fall on draft night in 2025, not being selected until all the way in the fifth round when he was the second quarterback the Cleveland Browns took. Simpson will likely be taken way earlier than that. There are plenty of quarterback-needy teams that will be happy to select him on Day 2, and the Steelers could be one of them. The New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, and Browns are the possible others. If the Steelers want Simpson, they will likely have to trade up in the second round. 

In the upcoming NFL Draft, the franchise holds 12 draft picks, the most in the NFL this year. General Manager Omar Khan has already hinted that they likely won't use all 12. The team can certainly afford a trade-up for Simpson, but it may not be worth it. A quarterback that small could leave him injury-prone. The Steelers have dealt with quarterback injuries in the past and there's no need to risk extra draft capital on a questionable prospect. 

Steelers Have An Opportunity In 2027 For A Franchise Quarterback

The 2026 quarterback class was supposed to be the best class in a long time, but that never came to fruition. Now that the narrative has shifted to 2027, it has many of the same prospects as before. As it stands, it will have Arch Manning, Dante Moore, LaNorris Sellers, Julian Sayin, and Jayden Maiava. Manning, Moore, and Sellers could all have declared for the 2026 draft, but opted to play another season in college. 

They will have another season to gain experience and develop, which is good for the Steelers. They may select a quarterback late again in 2026, but will most certainly be eyeing the position in the first round of 2027. 

#SteelerNation