The Pittsburgh Steelers do not know who their starting quarterback will be in 2026. While they have Will Howard and Mason Rudolph on their roster, the Steelers would prefer to have Aaron Rodgers back as their starter. However, the four-time NFL MVP has not decided whether he will retire or come back for another season.
Even if Rodgers does return in 2026, the fact of the matter is that he is not Pittsburgh’s long-term answer at quarterback. What is more, Howard is a former sixth-round pick he fell as far as he did in the draft for a reason. As for Rudolph, well, there is a reason he never stuck as the regular Steelers starter.
In any case, Pittsburgh needs to find a long-term solution at the quarterback position.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are encouraged to take Ty Simpson in the 2026 NFL Draft
2026 NFL Draft, Pittsburgh Steelers, Aaron Rodgers, Ty Simpson
Alabama QB Ty Simpson’s “J-E-T-S” Moment Goes Viral After Pre-Draft Meeting (Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images)
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson is not expected to be the first quarterback taken in the NFL Draft. That, of course, will be Fernando Mendoza, who is expected to be drafted first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders.
That being said, there are many evaluators who believe it is Simpson who is the best quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft class. Due to the needs of other NFL teams, he is not expected to taken until later in the first round.
And if he falls to the Steelers, Bleacher Reportbelieves they should grab him:
“Even if thein-house buzzaround Will Howard is real, the Steelers shouldn’t bank on a sixth-round pick in his second season if Rodgers announces his retirement. Yes, Mason Rudolph is in Pittsburgh as additional veteran depth, but the team needs more upside at the position.
“New Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy has a solid track record of developing and optimizing his quarterbacks’ talent. Under his tutelage, Rodgers won two MVPs, and Dak Prescott had his best pro seasons, logging career highs in touchdown passes (37), completions (410) and completion percentage (69.5).
“While some believe that McCarthy was an underwhelming hire, he could be the right head coach to groom Ty Simpson into a starter. Also, the rookie signal-caller would have two big targets in two-time Pro Bowler DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr.
“Pittsburgh can set up Simpson for immediate success.”
As indicated above, new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy is known for developing great quarterbacks. It is also worth noting that Simpson only have 15 career starts to his name.
These things being considered, there may not be a better landing spot for Simpson, should Rodgers choose to return, as he would be able to learn from one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time and the coach who developed him.
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