Steelers predicted to replace Aaron Rodgers with out-of-nowhere QB prospect

The Pittsburgh Steelers knew what they were getting themselves into with Aaron Rodgers.

More likely than not, this is a one-year quarterback partnership.

For 2026, the Steelers will probably need a new QB. 

The NFL Draft might be the best place for them to fill the role, hoping for a guy who can hold down the most important position in sports for years to come.

ESPN released a new mock draft on Wednesday, and in it, the Steelers are projected to take Alabama QB Ty Simpson.

Simpson wasn't on anyone's radar before the season as a draft prospect, but now he's projected as a first-round pick.

"It's essential for the Steelers to find the heir apparent under center to soon-to-be 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers, and I think Simpson has been the most impressive of the draft-eligible quarterbacks," ESPN's Jordan Reid writes. "Despite the need, Pittsburgh waited until Round 6 to pick a QB this past April (Will Howard). It can't wait that long again. Like Moore, Simpson is an inexperienced starter (all six career starts have come this season). It's not certain that Simpson will declare for the 2026 draft, but league evaluators have taken notice of his impressive stretches this season. He has thrown 16 TD passes and just one interception this season."

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Pittsburgh has had OK quarterback play since Ben Roethlisberger retired, but they haven't landed on the next face of their franchise yet.

Simpson wouldn't come without risk, given his relatively limited college experience. But if he keeps carving up the SEC, that's a great sign about his overall ability.

If it isn't Simpson, it'll probably be someone else. The Steelers need to pursue their QB of the future.

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