Mystery Team Reportedly 'Lurking' for Ty Simpson in 2026 NFL Draft amid Cardinals, Vikings Rumors

In a draft that looks to be light on impact players at the quarterback position, Ty Simpson has caught the attention of multiple teams coming out of the NFL scouting combine.

On the latest episode of The McShay Show (starts at 10:15 mark), NFL draft analyst Todd McShay explained that in addition to the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings, there is an unnamed team "lurking" as a potential destination for Simpson:

"Arizona, I'm told, is a team that could trade back in. Minnesota, there's some mixed messages out there. And I'm told by a source that I've learned to trust, don't be surprised, there's a strong feeling from that individual that there is another team, it was not shared with me which team that is, that there is another team kind of lurking around in the Ty Simpson sweepstakes, if you will. I don't know how much of a sweepstakes it is, but in the market."

B/R's NFL scouting department has Simpson ranked as the No. 2 quarterback in the class and 28th overall player.

There had been some thought that the Los Angeles Rams with two first-round picks could be a landing spot for Simpson, including in B/R's post-combine mock draft, but it's hard to envision that scenario now after the Rams used the No. 29 pick in a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs to acquire Trent McDuffie.

There are plenty of teams that need quarterback help, including the Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Raiders are assumed to take Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick, so they don't seem likely to be a mystery team for Simpson. The Jets pick at the top of the second round (No. 33) if they want to invest in the Alabama quarterback.

Pittsburgh, even if Aaron Rodgers returns in 2026, needs to find a long-term solution at the position. Rodgers just turned 42 in December.

The Browns' situation remains unsettled despite their additions of Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel in the 2025 draft. General manager Andrew Berry has said they aren't putting "any restraints" on potentially drafting another quarterback this year.

Minnesota is arguably the most fascinating team to watch this offseason because of the talent around the quarterback position and head coach Kevin O'Connell's reputation as an offensive guru.

The Vikings have been cited as a popular destination for Kyler Murray when his release from the Arizona Cardinals becomes official. He's unlikely to command a huge salary since Arizona still owes him $36.8 million in 2026.

Signing a player like Murray also wouldn't require the Vikings to give up a draft pick in a potential trade to move back up either into the end of the first round or early second round for Simpson.

The Cardinals are obviously going to need a quarterback since they have reportedly already informed Murray he will be released at the start of the new league year. They own the 34th overall pick if they want to use that on Simpson or try to trade back into the first round, similar to what the New York Giants did last year with Jaxson Dart.

Simpson received strong reviews after his combine workout, solidifying his status as the No. 2 quarterback in this class. History has shown teams will bet on players at that position early in the draft.

Having just one year of starting experience at college does suggest Simpson might benefit from the opportunity to develop behind an established starter, but the upside is there for him to be a potential Day 1 pick for a team in need of a quarterback.