Ty Simpson, Alabama Crimson Tide
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Alabama QB Ty Simpson at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson made a huge career decision when he declared for the 2026 NFL Draft, forgoing another season in Tuscaloosa.
Although Simpson spent four years at Alabama, last season was his only year as a full-time starter, making all 15 starts.
In that time, Simpson developed into one of the better quarterbacks in the country, throwing for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns and just five interceptions while helping Alabama return to the College Football Playoff.
That was enough for Simpson to declare himself ready for the NFL.
“I feel like I’m ready. I’m a franchise quarterback,” Simpson told reporters on February 27.
Thanks to what many consider a thin quarterback class, Simpson is currently slotted as the second-best quarterback prospect behind Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, the projected No. 1 overall pick.
That would presumably send Mendoza to the Las Vegas Raiders. Sitting at No. 2 are the New York Jets — another quarterback-needy team.
While at the NFL Scouting Combine on February 27, Simpson made it clear what he thinks about the Jets.
Ty Simpson ‘Loves’ The Jets After Interviewing With Team
Simpson was one of several quarterbacks the Jets met with at the combine. It’s unclear how the team felt afterward, but the Alabama quarterback seemed more than pleased with how things went.
“It was great,” Simpson said, via the Jets’ X account. “You know, just talking ball, getting to know each other. Coach [Frank] Reich is a great, great human being. Coach Glenn is a super juiceful guy.”
That’s at least a strong first impression — especially when you’re potentially meeting your future offensive coordinator and head coach.
“I really love the Jets,” Simpson continued. “I’m really, really blessed to have a meeting with them and if I have an opportunity to play in New York… they’re going to get the best Ty Simpson they can get.”
Simpson was even spotted walking around chanting, “J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets.”
Not exactly subtle.
Could the Jets Draft Ty Simpson at No. 2?
Nearly every season, it seems the Jets find themselves searching for a long-term answer at quarterback. They’ve tried the veteran route with names like Aaron Rodgers and Justin Fields in recent years — to little success. Before that, they swung big in the draft.
Their last two first-round quarterbacks were Sam Darnold at No. 3 overall in 2018 and Zach Wilson at No. 2 overall in 2021. Both are gone.
As things currently stand, the Jets’ quarterback room features Fields, Brady Cook, Tyrod Taylor and Hendon Hooker — not exactly a locked-in franchise situation.
If Simpson were drafted by New York, there’s a real chance he could compete for the job immediately — whether that means starting Week 1 or taking over at some point during the season.
The Jets hold two first-round picks: No. 2 and No. 16. That gives them flexibility. They don’t have to take Simpson at No. 2, but waiting could be risky.
Quarterback-needy teams like the Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins — and potentially even the Los Angeles Rams — all pick before the Jets select again.
If New York truly believes Simpson is their guy, they may not have the luxury of patience.