Steelers Meet With Potential First-Round QB at Combine

Alabama's Ty Simpson is the lone QB considered a first-round option for Pittsburgh.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Pittsburgh Steelers had a formal interview with Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson at the 2026 NFL Combine, as he is the lone quarterback considered to be a first-round option for the team, who are picking at No. 21 overall. Simpson will be the top quarterback prospect throwing at the combine, as Indiana quarterback and presumptive No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza will skip throwing at the combine.

Why it matters

The Steelers have been seeking a long-term answer at the quarterback position, going with a series of stop-gaps after missing with first-round pick Kenny Pickett in 2022. Drafting Simpson could provide that answer, though the team is also pursuing veteran QB Aaron Rodgers to be their starter in 2026.

The details

Simpson's draft stock has been variable, as he was ranked as high as the No. 3 prospect in the NFL Mock Draft Database consensus big board during the season, his first as Alabama's starter. But since then, he's steadily fallen to his current standing of No. 30. The Steelers are hoping Simpson could develop into their future franchise quarterback, similar to how Rodgers mentored Jordan Luck in Green Bay.

  • The 2026 NFL Combine is taking place in Indianapolis.
  • The Steelers are picking at No. 21 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The players

Ty Simpson

An Alabama quarterback considered a potential first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Fernando Mendoza

The presumptive No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Indiana quarterback will skip throwing at the combine in favor of his on-campus pro day.

Kenny Pickett

A first-round pick by the Steelers in 2022 who did not pan out as their long-term answer at quarterback.

Aaron Rodgers

The veteran quarterback the Steelers are pursuing to be their starter in 2026.

Jordan Luck

The quarterback Rodgers helped develop in Green Bay as his heir apparent.

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What they’re saying

“The Pittsburgh Steelers had a formal interview with Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson at the 2026 NFL Combine, a source confirmed to Steelers Now.”

— Chris Halicke, Reporter, DK Pittsburgh Sports (DK Pittsburgh Sports)

What’s next

The Steelers will continue to evaluate Ty Simpson and other quarterback prospects ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, while also pursuing a potential deal with veteran QB Aaron Rodgers to be their starter in 2026.

The takeaway

The Steelers' meeting with Ty Simpson at the NFL Combine highlights their ongoing search for a long-term answer at quarterback, as they look to move on from the Kenny Pickett era and potentially pair a young QB like Simpson with a veteran mentor like Aaron Rodgers.