"It'll set the Steelers back at least 5 years": Insider warns Mike Tomlin on drafting Ty Simpson, labels Alabama QB as "worse than Kenny Pickett"

Mike Tomlin's Pittsburgh Steelers might need to look ahead to life without Aaron Rodgers next season. The veteran quarterback signed a one-year, $13.65 million contract with the franchise in the offseason, but Rodgers has often hinted that this might be his final season in the league.

While there are some talented quarterbacks in the 2026 NFL draft class, analyst Andrew Fillipponi appeared to warn Tomlin to steer clear of drafting Alabama QB Ty Simpson, suggesting he might be worse than Kenny Pickett.

"If the Steelers draft Ty Simpson it will set the franchise back at least 5 years. Worse than Pickett," Fillipponi tweeted on Thursday.

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Fillipponi's tweet about Simpson came amid the QB's struggles against Indiana in the Rose Bowl.

Simpson went 12 of 16 for 67 yards, while adding 17 yards on three carries in Alabama's 38-3 loss to the Hoosiers. He was replaced by Austin Mack in the third quarter due to a rib injury he sustained from a helmet hit in the first half. Some reports also claimed Simpson was benched due to his struggles.

After the game, Simpson opened up about his injury.

"I just, on the fumble, took a helmet to the ribs, cracked my rib," Simpson said. "Tried to go back in second half, and just felt like it was the best chance for us to win it was Austin."

Simpson finishes the 2025 season with 3,500 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, five interceptions and two rushing TDs.

Mike Tomlin's Steelers will face the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18 of the 2025 NFL season

NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers HC Mike Tomlin - Source: Imagn

Mike Tomlin's Steelers (9-7) will face the Baltimore Ravens (8-8) in Week 18 of the 2025 NFL season on Sunday night. The game is set to kick off at 8:20 p.m. ET from Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The winner of the Steelers-Ravens contest will win the AFC North. Meanwhile, the loser will be eliminated from playoff contention.

Edited by Arnold