The Pittsburgh Steelers have 12 draft picks in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft and an endless number of options for what to do with them. Almost everyone is expecting some sort of trade-up to boost the team more, especially in the first round. They could also ship off whatever picks they can to 2027 so they can try and get a franchise quarterback then. There are so many questions that everyone is asking, but most of them will not be answered until Draft Day comes and fans flock to the Steel City to watch it all commence.Â
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh is preparing to host the NFL Draft in 2026 at the end of April.
While making an appearance on 93.7 The Fan, draft insider Ryan Wilson was asked about a top prospect that was linked to the Steelers: Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson. He shut that rumor down quickly, to the delight of many fans.
“No, not a bit,” Wilson said. “[Ty Simpson] is now smaller than Garrett Nussmeier… Cleveland’s not expected to have success around a young quarterback. We could have that conversation about the Steelers as well as they’re currently constituted.”
Wilson kept talking about how he was speaking to different sources, scouts, and teams during the Combine. With everything that was going on there, there was not a single bit of information that even implied that the Steelers had any sort of interest in Simpson. He is the only other quarterback who is seen as a possible first-round pick, so it’s safe to say that Pittsburgh will pass on quarterback entirely in Day 1.Â
The Crimson White / Clara Kee
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson celebrates after scoring a touchdown during a home game in 2025.
Despite the fact that Simpson is 23 years old, he is very inexperienced. He only has 15 starts, and all of them came in the 2025 season. Only three other quarterbacks have been drafted with the same number or less collegiate starts than him. He would be a bit of a project, and the Steelers are in no position to use their top pick on someone like him. They will likely go for a mid-round project passer instead.
The Steelers’ Combine interviews have also given away the fact that they are almost certainly going to draft a wide receiver or defensive back in the first round. General Manager Omar Khan also hinted at the idea that there’s no amazing options for a first-round franchise quarterback. Wilson’s report seems to be spot on here, as nothing has shown that Pittsburgh is excited about what Simpson can bring to the table.
Also, as Wilson said, the Steelers are not built to develop a quarterback right now. The offensive line is still shaky, and the wide receiver room is currently very underwhelming. The only potential upgrade that could help them is the fact that new head coach Mike McCarthy is considered an offensive-mind that focuses on that particular position, so he would likely spend a lot of time with the rookie whether he’s starting or not.
Steelers Will Still Look For A Project To Develop
Once Round 3 of the draft hits, you can start anticipating the Steelers looking to draft a quarterback. There are many other projects like Simpson expected to be selected in that area, but the risk is much lower while the reward is about as high as him. There would be a lot less pressure for someone like Drew Allar or Garrett Nussmeier to start in the near future than there would be for a first-round pick.Â
Matthew O’Haren / USA TODAY Sports
Penn State QB Drew Allar getting ready to throw the football.
This will be the year for the Steelers to try and build a team that can support a young quarterback. The 2027 draft class is expected to be much better than this year’s, so Pittsburgh will be looking there to find their new face of the franchise. Maybe they do start having considerations of Simpson if he somehow falls hard, but there seems to be no chance that he gets selected at Pick 21.
What do you think about the Steelers having no interest in Simpson? Let us know in the comments or on XÂ at @Steelers_ChrisB.