For the first time in over 19 seasons, football in the city of Pittsburgh is headed in a new direction upon the news that longtime head coach Mike Tomlin announced his intent to step away from the organization following the wildcard round playoff loss to the Houston Teans. This new era could begin by drafting Ty Simpson in the first round of the 2026 NFL, according to Collin Cowherd.
“If you’re Pittsburgh with all these picks, my takeaway, you give out about six of them to get Ty Simpson in the first round,” Cowherd said. “Say what you want, it’s something. They have seven draft picks in the first four rounds. The Steelers have ammo. Go get Ty Simpson. You don’t have to move up 25 spots. Move up 10.”
Colin Cowhered believes the Steelers should trade up to draft Ty Simpson
Cowherd's proposal comes as many expect 41-year old quarterback Aaron Rodgers to officially retire in the Steel City after 21 seasons under center in the NFL. This idea was powered even more after Oregon's Dante Moore elected to return to Eugene instead of entering the draft as many expected.
With his production, along with Simpson's ability to ace the pre-draft process, it'll be interesting to see if Pittsburgh actually does kick the tires on the redshirt junior prospect. If so, Simpson would only be the seventh signal caller taken by the Steelers since 2000.
Of course, with Pittsburgh still waiting to hear what Rodgers decides and the Steelers having no entrenched starter behind him, this could potentially be a landing spot that makes sense for the former Alabama QB.
If he does, it would serve him best to be drafted by a franchise with a veteran QB in place that he can learn from. Regardless of where Simpson ends up, he'll be a unique case study in this draft after only starting 15 games during his time in Tuscaloosa.
It's almost certain to me that QB-needy teams will be on the market to take a chance on the former Alabama passer if Pittsburgh doesn't, in what has been considered a relatively weak quarterback draft class.