Ty Simpson
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Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis.
By now, it’s clear that Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson is firmly established as the QB2 in the 2026 NFL Draft class behind Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza.
Despite having less starting experience than most of the other quarterbacks in this year’s class, Simpson has solidified his position as likely the only other signal-caller projected to go in the first round.
Simpson has just 15 career starts at Alabama, becoming the Crimson Tide’s full-time starter only in 2025 after spending four seasons in the program.
“I feel like I’m ready,” Simpson said at the NFL Scouting Combine. “I’m a franchise quarterback.”
That’s exactly what a first-round quarterback is supposed to believe. In most mock drafts, Simpson has consistently landed with the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 21 overall. However, in ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid’s latest projection, the Alabama quarterback ends up with the Arizona Cardinals.
ESPN’s Jordan Reid Projects Ty Simpson to Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals currently hold the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but that’s not where Reid has Simpson coming off the board.
At No. 3, Reid projects Arizona selecting Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey.
“Edge rusher Josh Sweat performed well in his first season in Arizona (12 sacks), but he needs a running mate. The Cardinals could pair him with Bailey, who is the most productive pass rusher in this year’s class,” Reid wrote.
Later in the first round, Reid has Arizona trading back in by sending second-round pick No. 34 and fourth-round pick No. 104 to the Houston Texans in exchange for the No. 28 overall selection.
“With Kyler Murray’s days in Arizona seemingly numbered, the Cardinals have a lot of quarterback questions. So I have them trading back into the bottom of the first round to acquire their QB of the future,” Reid wrote.
“Simpson is a perfect fit in new coach Mike LaFleur’s offense. Simpson operates well off play-action but makes his best throws in the short and intermediate areas. His lack of starting experience (15 starts) makes him a bit of a risk here, but Arizona still has veteran Jacoby Brissett for another year to serve as a bridge until Simpson is ready to be the QB1.”
The move would leave Houston out of the first round for the second straight year while costing Arizona additional draft capital. Still, it would create a major jumpstart in Mike LaFleur’s tenure if the Cardinals believe Simpson is their long-term answer.
Cardinals’ QB Uncertainty Could Open Door for Ty Simpson
Arizona has yet to officially make a move involving Kyler Murray, but all signs continue to point toward a divorce before the 2026 season, whether via trade or release.
The Cardinals would likely prefer a trade to recoup value and potentially shift part of Murray’s remaining contract to another team. That scenario, however, remains highly unlikely.
Jacoby Brissett has also been mentioned as a possible trade candidate if quarterback-needy teams come calling.
Then there’s Packers free agent Malik Willis, widely viewed as the top quarterback available in 2026 free agency. He has been connected to Arizona as a potential option behind center.
But if Willis proves too expensive on the open market, drafting a quarterback like Simpson late in the first round could become the more cost-controlled path forward.
And if Reid’s projection holds any weight, Arizona may already be thinking that way.