Eagles Explore QB Ty Simpson in 2026 NFL Draft

Philadelphia's draft strategy involves leveraging quarterback prospects to maximize value

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:43am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented football players and draft prospects, representing the Philadelphia Eagles' complex and multifaceted approach to the 2026 NFL Draft.The Eagles' draft strategy aims to maximize flexibility and long-term value, even if it means sacrificing short-term star power.Philadelphia Today

The Philadelphia Eagles are rumored to be interested in selecting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson in the 2026 NFL Draft, but the move is less about replacing Jalen Hurts and more about creating trade leverage. The Eagles have a history of accumulating quarterbacks and then trading them for value, and Simpson's polarizing draft stock could position the team as a placeholder for a QB-needy team desperate to move up. The Eagles' focus on the wide receiver position, including the acquisition of Dontayvion Wicks from the Packers, also fuels speculation about the future of A.J. Brown.

Why it matters

The Eagles' draft strategy reflects broader trends in the NFL, where teams are increasingly valuing positional flexibility and long-term roster building over immediate impact. The quarterback market is becoming more fluid, with teams willing to trade up for prospects who might not be 'sure things.' The Eagles, under Howie Roseman, have become masters of strategically accumulating assets to maximize leverage, and their approach could redefine how we think about draft strategy.

The details

The Eagles are rumored to be interested in selecting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, who has a polarizing draft stock with some scouts grading him as a second-round pick and others seeing him as a late first-rounder. Simpson's lack of college starts, just one year of production, raises questions about whether a quarterback with limited experience can truly thrive in the NFL. The Eagles' acquisition of wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks from the Packers also fuels speculation about the future of A.J. Brown, as the team's focus on the wide receiver position suggests Brown could be on the move.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26, 2026.

The players

Ty Simpson

A quarterback from the University of Alabama who is rumored to be a target for the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2026 NFL Draft. Simpson has a polarizing draft stock, with some scouts grading him as a second-round pick and others seeing him as a late first-rounder.

Jalen Hurts

The current starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Howie Roseman

The general manager of the Philadelphia Eagles, known for his strategic approach to roster building and the NFL draft.

Dontayvion Wicks

A wide receiver acquired by the Philadelphia Eagles from the Green Bay Packers, who is seen as a depth move that could also signal changes to the team's wide receiver corps, including the potential departure of A.J. Brown.

A.J. Brown

The star wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles, whose future with the team is in question due to the team's focus on the wide receiver position in the draft and trades.

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What’s next

The Eagles will continue to evaluate quarterback prospects and wide receiver options leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, with the potential for further trades and roster moves to position the team for long-term success.

The takeaway

The Philadelphia Eagles' draft strategy reflects a broader trend in the NFL towards prioritizing positional flexibility, long-term roster building, and strategic asset accumulation over immediate impact. Their rumored interest in Ty Simpson and the acquisition of Dontayvion Wicks suggest the team is playing the long game, positioning themselves to capitalize on opportunities as they arise and potentially redefining how we think about draft strategy in the process.