The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the 2026 offseason with multiple holes to address, and one of the biggest questions is how the franchise will handle the quarterback position.
Aaron Rodgers, the team’s starting quarterback this past season, is a pending free agent and is also considering retirement. Will Howard and Mason Rudolph remain under contract for next season, but many around the league expect the Steelers to add another quarterback to the roster if Rodgers does not return.
If the Steelers decide to bring in a new face at quarterback, one potential route is through the 2026 NFL Draft. According to the NFL Mock Draft Database, the team is most likely to use their 21st overall pick on a quarterback.
As of Jan. 26, 2026, the consensus mock draft from the NFL Mock Draft Database lists Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson as the leading candidate for the Steelers’ first-round selection, with a 26 percent chance of being chosen with Pittsburgh’s 21st overall pick.
GettyQB Ty Simpson.
Insight on Ty Simpson
In a quarterback class considered weak, Simpson is widely regarded as the second-best quarterback prospect entering the 2026 NFL Draft, trailing only Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza.
On ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.’s 2026 draft big board, Simpson is ranked as the second-best quarterback and the 25th overall prospect entering the upcoming draft.
“Simpson knows the game and competes on every down. He’s a battler who is always trying to make a play — sometimes to his detriment. And Simpson maneuvers well in the pocket and can beat defenses with his legs when the passing play isn’t there,” wrote Kiper Jr.
After the Steelers announced the hiring of head coach Mike McCarthy, Matt Miller of ESPN acknowledged that Simpson could be a good fit for McCarthy’s offense and in consideration at the 21st pick.
“The Steelers’ needs once again center around the quarterback position — regardless of whether Rodgers is in the mix next season. At pick No. 21, there will be consideration for Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson if he’s still on the board. His strong play in the pocket would fit well with McCarthy’s West Coast offense,” wrote Miller.
Simpson had a breakout 2025 season, throwing for 3,567 yards with 28 touchdowns and just five interceptions, according to ESPN.
The 23-year-old Alabama quarterback is widely considered a late first-round pick, making Pittsburgh with the 21st overall selection one of the more likely landing spots for him.
GettySimpson is projected to be a late first round pick.
Who Would Start at QB if the Steelers Draft Simpson?
Obviously, if Rodgers returns, he would be the starter. However, the belief around the league is that it is much more likely the 42-year-old quarterback retires.
If the Steelers draft Simpson and Rodgers is not in the picture, a quarterback competition would likely take place between Will Howard, who was selected in the sixth round of the 2025 draft, and Simpson.
While it would be uncertain who would start for Pittsburgh in 2026, drafting Simpson would give the team an intriguing prospect with significant upside.
GettyQB Will Howard.
Alabama QB Emerges as Favorite for Steelers’ First-Round Pick