Steelers Reveal First Two QB Meetings at NFL Combine

Pittsburgh scouts meet with Alabama's Ty Simpson and Penn State's Drew Allar as they search for their next franchise QB.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Pittsburgh Steelers have been transparent about their search for a new franchise quarterback, and that effort continued at the 2026 NFL Draft Combine. The team held formal meetings with two potential QB targets - Alabama's Ty Simpson and Penn State's Drew Allar. Simpson is viewed as a potential high draft pick, with his accuracy and mobility seen as strengths, though his pocket presence is a concern. Allar, once considered a first-round talent, has seen his stock drop, but the Steelers may see his size, arm strength, and youth as appealing traits they can develop.

Why it matters

The Steelers are in the market for a new starting quarterback after the retirement of longtime signal-caller Ben Roethlisberger. Their meetings with Simpson and Allar indicate they are doing their due diligence on quarterbacks in this year's draft class as they look to find their next franchise QB.

The details

The Steelers held formal meetings with Alabama QB Ty Simpson and Penn State QB Drew Allar at the NFL Combine. Simpson is viewed as a potential high draft pick, with his accuracy and mobility seen as strengths, though his pocket presence is a concern. Allar was once considered a first-round talent, but his stock has dropped, though the Steelers may see his size, arm strength, and youth as appealing traits they can develop.

  • The Steelers held formal meetings with Ty Simpson and Drew Allar at the 2026 NFL Draft Combine.

The players

Ty Simpson

An Alabama quarterback who is viewed as a potential high draft pick, with his accuracy and mobility seen as strengths, though his pocket presence is a concern.

Drew Allar

A Penn State quarterback who was once considered a first-round talent, but has seen his stock drop, though the Steelers may see his size, arm strength, and youth as appealing traits they can develop.

Omar Khan

The general manager of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Mike McCarthy

The new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, known for his experience with developing quarterbacks.

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What they’re saying

“Maybe, just maybe, the Steelers will find that player in the upcoming draft. The organization is doing their due diligence while in Indianapolis for the Combine, and two potential targets are catching the franchise's eye.”

— Chris Halicke, Reporter (DK Pittsburgh Sports)

“There was a time when Drew Allar was a legitimate first-round talent. A tough go of things over the final season and a half of his NCAA career later, and his stock is way down.”

— Nick Farabaugh, Reporter (PennLive)

What’s next

The Steelers will continue their evaluation of quarterback prospects as they prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft, where they hope to find their next franchise signal-caller.

The takeaway

The Steelers' meetings with Ty Simpson and Drew Allar at the NFL Combine show they are leaving no stone unturned in their search for a new starting quarterback. While both prospects have their strengths and weaknesses, the Steelers are doing their due diligence to identify the right fit to lead their offense in the years to come.