Simpson, listed at 6-foot-1 and 211 pounds, positioned himself as a potential Buccaneers target in a situation where Tampa Bay is seeking a reliable backup behind Baker Mayfield after parting ways with Kyle Trask. Pewter Report noted that Simpson was among players the Buccaneers interviewed during the combine, fueling speculation about a possible fit in the depth chart.
In Alabama’s lone starting season (2025), Simpson produced 3,567 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions, guiding the Crimson Tide to an 11-4 record and a run to the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. His performance at the combine earned him an “A” grade from USA Today, which called him the clear standout quarterback on the field and highlighted near-perfect drills and elite-level accuracy.
Simpson previously served behind high-profile quarterbacks, backing up Bryce Young for three years and Jalen Milroe in 2024, a quarterback selected by Seattle in the 2025 draft. Projection surrounding his NFL trajectory remains a topic of discussion among scouts, with potential first- and early-second-round consideration depending on continued evaluation and team-specific needs.
Given Tampa Bay’s current quarterback landscape, Simpson’s draft stock and potential fit with the Buccaneers will hinge on how teams weigh his upside against their quarterback depth charts and strategic plans for 2026 and beyond. As the evaluation process progresses, Simpson’s name will remain part of the ongoing dialogue about the upcoming NFL draft and quarterback prospects.
