If the Steelers decide to add a quarterback through the draft, the 21st overall pick appears to be the most likely avenue. The NFL Mock Draft Database’s consensus as of Jan. 26, 2026 places the Steelers at No. 21 for a quarterback, with Alabama signal-caller Ty Simpson serving as the leading candidate at a 26 percent chance.
Simpson is entering a quarterback class considered weak, yet he is widely viewed as the second-best prospect behind Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza. In Mel Kiper Jr.’s 2026 draft big board, Simpson is ranked as the second-best quarterback and 25th overall, noted for his pocket poise and willingness to use the run game when needed.
After Pittsburgh announced the hire of head coach Mike McCarthy, ESPN’s Matt Miller acknowledged that Simpson could be a good fit for McCarthy’s West Coast offense and could be a consideration at No. 21 if he’s still on the board. That angle adds a layer of intrigue to a pick that would shape the Steelers’ offense for years.
Simpson’s 2025 season bolster is a key talking point: he threw for 3,567 yards with 28 touchdowns against just five interceptions, a breakout showing that elevated his draft stock. At 23 years old, he’s viewed as a late-first-round talent with significant upside, making Pittsburgh a plausible landing spot at 21.
Of course, the quarterback plan hinges on Rodgers—and whether he returns. If Rodgers stays in the fold, he would be the Week 1 starter, but the likelihood of him returning remains a topic of league-wide speculation. In the absence of Rodgers, a quarterback competition would likely unfold between Will Howard, a sixth-round pick in 2025, and Simpson, setting up a compelling, high-upside split competition for 2026.
Drafting Simpson would give the Steelers a quarterback with notable upside and developmental potential, aligning with McCarthy’s offensive philosophy and the club’s long-term plans. As the 2026 offseason progresses, Pittsburgh’s decision at No. 21 will be watched closely by fans and analysts hoping for a clear path back to sustained contention.
