The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2026 free agency journey officially allowed the front office to have some flexibility in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. General Manager Omar Khan bolstered the wide receiver, cornerback, defensive line and safety rooms, which certainly was a goal heading into the new league year. Left guard remains a small concern, but there are two capable individuals there that could end up starting if no one else comes along. Then, the quarterback situation has been somewhat glossed over because the overwhelming belief around the league is that Aaron Rodgers will return for a second campaign in the Steel City.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) points in the direction of one of his teammates as the group practices during a 2025 training camp work out at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
There have been countless mock drafts for fans to read, and it seems like no one is on the same page when it comes to the Steelers' 21st overall selection in round one. In 2025, Jaxson Dart and Shedeur Sanders both were connected to Pittsburgh for months, but the team waited until the sixth round to address the position. Now, fast forward a year later, and Ty Simpson has consistently heard his name related to the Steel City.
The University of Alabama quarterback has been in the news a lot recently, mainly due to the fact that ESPN's Dan Orlovsky labeled him as the best signal-caller in the entire class, even ahead of consensus number one overall selection Fernando Mendoza. With Khan's aggressive free agency, it is fair to wonder if the Steelers would consider taking Simpson at 21.
On the Cochran Sports Showdown that was broadcasted on Sunday evening, a panel of local sports analysts discussed what could be coming for the team. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter and insider Ray Fittipaldo made sure to pump the brakes on the notion that Khan and co. are possibly eyeing selecting a quarterback on the first night of the draft.
"I don't think it's in play for the Steelers," Fittipaldo stated. "I think they have so many other needs, while I think they could take a receiver, they could take a safety. They could even take a guard. I think with this not being a great quarterback class and with 2027 looking like it's going to be really good, I don't think [Simpson's] in play there. I think that's a lot of smoke."
Pittsburgh needs to find its franchise quarterback at some point. The organization has failed at doing so in recent years, which has led to a lot of instability and questions. The veteran stopgap options won't be accepted for much longer, and maybe not at all if Rodgers makes the decision to retire. Someone like Kirk Cousins is not going to excite the fan base, but a rookie or Will Howard just might.
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Steelers quarterback Will Howard gets ready to unleash a pass as he runs through a drill as the team works out during the annual Friday Night Lights practice in Latrobe, PA.
Simpson is a talented player who will get a legitimate shot to start at the professional level. Unfortunately for the Steelers, he might not project as a first-rounder on their board, which could lead to hesitation about taking him with the 21st overall selection. Pittsburgh likely will be content with passing on him, particularly if Rodgers returns for another season.
If the quarterback room in the Steel City turns out to be what everyone is expecting, the 2027 offseason will be another one filled with controversy and guessing games. Continuity at the position is pivotal, and the Steelers really haven't had that for five years or so. The clock is ticking for the front office to find a permanent solution sooner rather than later.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan looks on as the team sets up in front of fans to workout at the annual Friday Night Lights training camp practice in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers Could Still Shock The NFL And Take Simpson
A lot of journalists close to the organization, such as Fittipaldo, have been very adamant that Pittsburgh is going to shy away from going after a quarterback in the first round. So far, all signs point to that being the case because of the team's reported Top 30 visits. However, things could change quickly, and it all could be a reverse smokescreen so no franchise thinks about moving up ahead of the Steelers to take Simpson.
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