The Pittsburgh Steelers don't know for sure what Aaron Rodgers' plans for after this season are, whether they involve retirement or not.
But either way, Pittsburgh will have to be thinking about finding its QB of the future.
If the Steelers end up with a pick in the middle of the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, they'll likely have a chance to find one.
One name keeps coming up again and again for the Steelers: Alabama QB Ty Simpson.
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It feels like every other mock draft features Simpson to the Steelers.
The Athletic's new mock draft, put out by Dane Brugler, has that exact combination.
"Even if his inexperience is an understandable concern, Simpson processes quickly, negotiates pressure and gives his receivers chances to make plays," Brugler writes. "It wouldn’t be surprising if he returns to Tuscaloosa, but there will be several interested teams in the top half of Round 1 if he declares."
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This is Simpson's first season as a collegiate starter.
He has shown a tendency this season to make clutch plays when they count, including the occasional run that displays his athleticism but that he doesn't break out except in the most crucial of circumstances.
The Steelers wouldn't have to start Simpson right away. Whether it was Rodgers or Mason Rudolph back, a veteran could keep the seat ready for the moment Simpson was ready to slot in as the QB1.
Or maybe he'd look that good right away and keep it simple.
Either way, it's a priority for the Steelers to find their next QB era. And plenty of analysts think that might come with Simpson.
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