New Ty Simpson-Steelers Rumors Emerge Days Before 2026 NFL Draft amid Predictions on Landing Spot

As the wait for Aaron Rodgers to decide about his future continues, the Pittsburgh Steelers don't appear to be anxious to add a quarterback in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft.

ESPN's Brooke Pryor reported that even though the Steelers have done their homework on Ty Simpson and other quarterbacks in this class, it "doesn't appear" they will address the position with the No. 21 overall pick.

B/R's NFL scouting department has USC wide receiver Makai Lemon projected to the Steelers in the first round of its most recent mock draft. Simpson is projected to come off the board at No. 34 to the Arizona Cardinals.

The three-round mock does have the Steelers addressing the quarterback position in round three by taking Penn State's Drew Allar. He reportedly met with the club on Wednesday.

Even though the Steelers have indicated they expect Rodgers will return next season, the four-time NFL MVP has yet to sign a contract.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Steelers owner Art Rooney II is "hoping" to get confirmation from Rodgers about his future prior to the draft.

According to Pryor, the Steelers "continue to believe" Rodgers will play for them next season. It's worth noting he didn't officially sign his one-year contract with the team last year until June 7.

B/R's big board has Simpson ranked as the No. 26 prospect in this year's class, so it wouldn't be a huge reach for the Steelers if they wanted to go in that direction.

It's also not a stretch to see them try it since we are only four years removed from Pittsburgh using the No. 20 overall pick on Kenny Pickett, but that also came when Mike Tomlin was head coach.

Even though many of the key members of the Steelers organization remain in place from the 2022 draft, it will be interesting to see how, if all, their draft philosophy changes with Mike McCarthy his first season as head coach.

Simpson spent four years at Alabama, but the 2025 campaign was his lone season as the starter. He threw for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns and five interceptions in 15 games.