The 2026 NFL Draft is just over a month away, as the NFL Combine has concluded and players are now preparing for their pro days.
One of the top prospects is Ty Simpson, the quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide. During his one year as the starting quarterback in Tuscaloosa, he threw for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and five interceptions, completing 64.5% of his passes in 2025.
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ESPN’s Jordan Reid ranks Simpson as the second-best quarterback in this class, just behind Indiana Hoosiers’ star quarterback Fernando Mendoza. This is why ESPN’s Field Yates believes the Arizona Cardinals will trade up into the 20s during the first round to select Simpson as a replacement for former quarterback Kyler Murray, who was released on Wednesday after signing a $230.5 million contract in 2024.
Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) throws a pass.Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine-Imagn Images)
“I’m joining my colleague Jordan Reid’s parade and forecasting the Cardinals to make a move for Simpson,” Yates wrote. “With Kyler Murray set to be released, Arizona’s search for a new QB is officially on; the Cardinals also potentially showed their cards by adding Gardner Minshew on a one-year deal as a depth/bridge option. Taking Simpson at No. 3 would be a massive reach to me, but Arizona could trade into the 20s somewhere and land him — akin to what the Giants did to get Jaxson Dart last year.”
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If Arizona decides to move up in the draft to select Simpson, it would signal the franchise’s commitment to quickly finding its next long-term answer at quarterback. With Murray no longer on the roster, the Cardinals are entering a transition period at one of the most important positions in football.
Simpson’s production at Alabama demonstrated his ability to lead a high-level offense against top competition. His combination of arm talent, decision-making and efficiency helped establish him as one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects in the draft class. Those traits could make him an appealing option for a team looking to rebuild around a young signal-caller.
Arizona may choose to ease Simpson into the starting role if the team follows through on its plan to add a veteran bridge quarterback like Gardner Minshew. That approach could allow the rookie time to adjust to the professional level while still giving the Cardinals a clear plan for the future at quarterback in the NFL.
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Related: Rams Predicted to Draft Eventual Matthew Stafford Replacement
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.