For the first time in almost two decades, the Pittsburgh Steelers have a new head coach.
After having Mike Tomlin at the helm for 19 seasons, the team decided a fresh start was needed this offseason. Because the Steelers value continuity and stability, some expected the team to go with a young, up-and-coming coordinator to replace Tomlin.
However, the team went the opposite direction and hired Pittsburgh native and longtime coach Mike McCarthy. McCarthy has a Super Bowl win, over the Steelers, ironically, from his time as the head coach of the Green Bay Packers.
Notably, McCarthy has plenty of experience with Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers was very close with Tomlin, and the thinking was that the veteran would not return to Pittsburgh without the coach.
McCarthy, for his part, has already mentioned that he would welcome Rodgers back, but we don't know how Rodgers feels. Regardless, the team still needs to find a passer for the future.
Dalton Wasserman of Pro Football Focus recently published an updated mock draft that has the Steelers taking Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson in the first round.
This is not expected to be a deep quarterback class, and Fernando Mendoza and Simpson could be the only two first-round passers.
Regarding Simpson and the Steelers, Wasserman offered the following:
Pittsburgh’s recent hiring of Mike McCarthy will inevitably fuel speculation about a potential Aaron Rodgers return. Even if Rodgers does return, the Steelers still need to identify a long-term solution at quarterback. Opinions on Alabama’s Ty Simpson vary, but he posted an 81.4 PFF passing grade while leading the FBS with 30 big-time throws in his lone season as the Crimson Tide’s starter.
As Wasserman mentioned, even if Rodgers returns, Simpson could still be the pick here.
In fact, it might even be better if Rodgers returns and Simpson sits behind the future Hall of Famer for one season. Simpson only started one year in college, so he may not be ready for a full NFL slate.
Simpson's one season was impressive, though, as he threw for 3,567 yards with 28 touchdowns and just five interceptions. The quarterback led Alabama to the College Football Playoff and turned down big offers to return to school.
The only quarterback under contract for the Steelers in 2026 is Will Howard. Howard is a late-round pick who doesn't figure to be a solution, so adding a passer that can be built around like Simpson would be ideal.
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