The Pittsburgh Steelers are in desperate need of finding their next franchise quarterback.
Five years after Ben Roethlisberger walked off the field for the final time, the Steelers have played a game of musical chairs looking for the answer. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. thinks he’s found it.
In his latest mock draft released on Tuesday, Kiper predicts the Steelers to draft Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson No. 21 overall.
“The Steelers have to think about the QB position with a longer-view lens,” Kiper wrote. “They could bring back Aaron Rodgers or opt for another veteran stopgap to keep them in contention next season, but even if they go that route, they should still address their future at the position.”
One major drawback with Simpson is the small sample size. 2025 was his first year as a starter, replacing Jalen Milroe after he left for the NFL Draft.
In 15 games, Simpson completed 64.5% of his passes and combined for 30 total touchdowns.
“Simpson has just 15 starts to his name, and his 2025 season was uneven, but his game has a lot of promise,” Kiper said. “He navigates the pocket well and threw 28 touchdown passes to just five interceptions last season. Pittsburgh could let him learn behind a veteran for a little while before turning the offense over to him.”
Simpson threw five interceptions and lost six fumbles for the Crimson Tide as Alabama became the first team in the College Football Playoff era to make the postseason with three losses.
He didn’t play well early against Indiana in the Rose Bowl Game and only threw for 67 yards, but left the game early due to a fractured rib.
Simpson’s best game came against Heisman Trophy finalist Diego Pavia and Vanderbilt on October 4, throwing for 340 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception at home en route to a 30-14 victory.
Questions remain due to his inexperience and ability to handle the rush, but he is an intriguing option for the Steelers to explore as they examine the position in Indianapolis.
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan said at the combine on Tuesday that the process to re-sign Aaron Rodgers or watch him retire won’t take as long as it did last year.
Mason Rudolph and sixth-round pick Will Howard remain on the Steelers roster entering free agency. Simpson is Kiper’s No. 2 overall quarterback behind Indiana’s Heisman-winning Fernando Mendoza. Pittsburgh will host the 2026 NFL Draft from April 23-25.
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