Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson has declared for the 2026 NFL Draft. What teams could select Simpson?
Ty Simpson Declares for Draft
Simpson will forgo his senior year of college and turn pro.
“Grateful for every single second,” Simpson wrote on Instagram. “Blessed beyond measure to be able to chase my dreams. Time to roll. Roll Tide.”
During his lone season as the starter at Alabama, Simpson, 23, completed 305 of 473 passes for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and five interceptions in 15 games. Simpson also added two rushing touchdowns.
Simpson led Alabama to an 11-4 record, with an appearance in the SEC Championship.
In the opening round of the College Football Playoff, Simpson and the Crimson Tide fell behind 17-0 in the first half to Oklahoma. Alabama would go on to score 27 unanswered points, resulting in a 34-24 victory.
That would be the final high point of Alabama’s season. The Crimson Tide was manhandled by Indiana in the Rose Bowl by a score of 38-3. Simpson left the game in the second half with a fractured rib and never returned.
Simpson is currently viewed as the third-best quarterback in this year’s draft class, behind Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and Oregon’s Dante Moore. Mendoza and Moore still have to declare for the draft.
Simpson is the son of UT-Martin football coach Jason Simpson.
Depending on the decisions by Mendoza and Mooe, Simpson could sneak into the first round, depending on which teams are drafting toward the back half. If not, Simpson will certainly go on Day 2.
3 Teams Who Could Select Alabama QB Ty Simpson
Los Angeles Rams
Matthew Stafford has a chance to win the MVP and the Super Bowl this season.
Stafford is under contract for 2026, but he isn’t getting any younger, as the quarterback will turn 38 in February.
The Rams have two first-round picks in the 2026 draft. The Rams own the Atlanta Falcons’ first-round pick, which is No. 13. The Rams’ second first-round pick will be determined by their finish this season.
Stafford likely has one more year with the Rams. In a situation with two first-round picks, coach Sean McVay could draft Simpson to be Stafford’s successor. Plus, Simpson could learn under Stafford for a year before potentially playing in 2027.
Cleveland Browns
Like the Rams, the Browns also have two first-round picks this year. The Browns have their pick at No. 6, and they own the right to the Jacksonville Jaguars’ first-round pick.
Cleveland has Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel on the roster. None of those quarterbacks proved they deserve to be the outright starter in 2026.
First, the Browns must hire a new coach. If that new coach wants to bring in his quarterback, then it’s possible the Browns could use that second first-round pick on Simpson.
Pittsburgh Steelers
What are the Pittsburgh Steelers going to do at quarterback in 2026?
The Aaron Rodgers experiment has worked in 2025, as the Steelers prepare to host a playoff game against the Houston Texans.
However, Rodgers is 42 and has not committed to next season. The Steelers must think about the future, and drafting Simpson could be the solution.
