Lots Of Buzz Between Steelers And 1 Big Name Quarterback At Senior Bowl

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2026 NFL Draft plans are one of the main questions that will soon get answered. With the Steel City hosting the 2026 NFL Draft for the first time ever, excitement is already building around the franchise and the city alike. It is a rare spotlight moment for Pittsburgh, and the Steelers enter that draft cycle armed with a plethora of draft capital, giving them flexibility to stay put or make a bold, franchise-altering move if the right opportunity presents itself.

One position that will draw heavy speculation throughout the process is quarterback, especially with new head coach Mike McCarthy now in town. McCarthy has a long track record of developing talented quarterbacks, and the uncertainty surrounding Aaron Rodgers’ future only adds fuel to the conversation. Internally, the Steelers also have options, as Will Howard and Mason Rudolph remain on the roster, two quarterbacks McCarthy has publicly admitted he is excited to work with as he begins shaping the offense.

Still, the draft itself could offer another intriguing path. Taking a flyer on a controversial or high-upside quarterback prospect is very much on the table. According to Steelers insider Nick Farabaugh on 93.7 The Fan, who has been on site at the Senior Bowl, Pittsburgh is gaining real momentum in its interest in Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. While Omar Khan himself isn't in Mobile, the Steelers Assistant General Manager Andy Weidl is there. If that buzz continues to grow, Simpson could become a fascinating name to watch as the Steelers prepare for a historic draft on their home turf.

"The one that I heard that did perk my ears up and I heard it multiple times, which is why it perked my ears up, the Steelers, they like Ty Simpson," Farabaugh said while speaking on 93.7 The Fan on Friday. "That's the one that perked me up. You know I know there has been a lot made to the connection with LSU's Garrett Nussmeier. I understand that... but there was a lot of Ty Simpson buzz around the Steelers... then the other buzz around the Steelers, Ty Simpson or they may just go big game hunting at wide receiver."

The idea of the Steelers taking a quarterback in the first round or early in the draft is intriguing, but it would likely be considered controversial. This draft class is not viewed as strong as many pundits initially expected, which adds another layer of risk to making such a move. 

As a result, any early investment at quarterback would be heavily debated among fans and analysts alike.

"Those are the two big ones," Farabaugh said. "I think they like Ty Simpson. I think they like what he does in terms of his accuracy. I think they like his pre-snap makeup. I think they like what he does just in terms of how he can just take on a lot offensively and Mike McCarthy's offense puts a lot on a QB."

Simpson is viewed as an interesting prospect due to his high-level accuracy on short to intermediate throws. He plays with poise, processes the field well, and generally makes sound decisions. 

While he does not come without question marks, his overall profile fits the mold of a developmental quarterback who could benefit from strong coaching and a stable environment.

Steelers' 2026 NFL Draft First-Round Plans Are Starting To Become Clear

It appears the Steelers are turning over every stone in their evaluation of Simpson, while also keeping the bigger picture in mind. 

At the same time, the organization understands that fixing the wide receiver room remains a priority, making the allocation of early draft resources a delicate balancing act as Pittsburgh looks to maximize the value of its draft capital.

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