Where will Ty Simpson land in the 2026 NFL Draft? Four suitable teams for Alabama standout QB

When the projected No. 1 overall pick opts out of throwing at the NFL Scouting Combine, attention naturally shifts to the next quarterback in line. For former Alabama standout Ty Simpson, that spotlight could not come at a better time with the 2026 NFL Draft coming up in April.

Simpson is set to throw in Indianapolis this week, embracing the opportunity while Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza waits to showcase his arm at his April 1 Pro Day.

In a draft cycle where perception can swing dramatically in a matter of days, Simpson's decision to compete in front of scouts feels deliberate.

The redshirt junior enters the process widely viewed as the QB2 in this class and a candidate to land somewhere in the middle to late portion of the first round.

Listed at 6-foot-2 and 208 pounds, Simpson is coming off the season in which he finally took control of Alabama's offense after waiting behind Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe.

In 2025, he delivered: 3,567 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and just five interceptions while leading Alabama to an 11-4 record.

Simpson's appeal is rooted less in improvisational chaos and more in control. He does not need every snap to turn into a heroic scramble drill to function effectively. That profile narrows the list of ideal NFL destinations.

Four teams that fit Simpson's skillset

The New York Jets present the cleanest combination of draft position and need.

Projected near the top of the board in 2026, New York is widely expected to address quarterback, even if a veteran is added in the short term.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are another logical landing spot. Pittsburgh has a history of managing quarterback transitions without creating media chaos.

Simpson's strengths align with what the Steelers traditionally want: a steady run game, effective play-action, and a passer who can win within structure rather than chasing high-risk throws.

With Aaron Rodgers potentially leaving, drafting him in the back half of Round 1 would also ease pressure, allowing for patient development instead of forcing an immediate rebuild narrative.

The New Orleans Saints offer perhaps the most system-friendly environment. The organization has long prioritized offensive structure and discipline.

Simpson's best tape at Alabama came when he operated within rhythm, taking calculated shots when defenses overcommitted.

Financially, the Saints often juggle cap constraints, making a cost-controlled rookie quarterback an attractive option. Simpson would allow them to maintain offensive functionality while reshaping the roster.

The Cleveland Browns round out the list as a pragmatic fit. Cleveland has cycled through short-term quarterback fixes in recent years, often at significant cost.

Simpson's ability to function off play-action and operate efficiently in the middle of the field pairs well with a run-first identity. For a team seeking stability rather than spectacle, his profile fits.

A career-defining week at the Combine

Combine week could ultimately define Simpson's trajectory. A strong showing - crisp mechanics, confident interviews, and steady throwing sessions - could solidify him as a first-round lock.

An ordinary performance, however, might push him into the early second round, where quarterback demand often resurfaces in a wave of late-April urgency.

The question facing teams is not whether Simpson can play, but whether their system matches the quarterback he already is.

For prospects like him, fit often matters more than hype.