One of the most polarizing prospects going into the 2026 NFL Draf is Ty Simpson. We might have a better idea of where the Alabama quarterback is going to land next week.
Projections for Simpson have been all over the place. We have ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky on an island calling Simpson the class’ best quarterback, even over Fernando Mendoza.
Then, we have other projections placing him anywhere from Round 1 to somewhere on Day 2.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler revealed on Wednesday the team Simpson was linked to the most is the Arizona Cardinals.
“In league circles, Simpson has been linked to Arizona more than any other team,” Fowler said.
Why Simpson to Cardinals makes sense
Say what you want about Simpson as a prospect, it makes sense for the Cardinals to have interest in him. Meanwhile, Arizona has zero future at the quarterback position right now.
Kyler Murray was released and Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew are the only notable quarterbacks left on the depth chart.
What could give the Cardinals pause is the quarterback class in next year’s draft is expected to be much better and it might pay to just wait.
General manager Monti Ossenfort may also be on the hot seat. He had nothing but bad results over three seasons and could take Simpson to try and save his job.
Where could Cardinals draft Simpson?
We would be shocked if the Cardinals took Simpson with the No. 3 pick.
We would also be shocked if Simpson was taken with a pick the Cardinals trade back to if they decide to not stay at No. 3.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reports Arizona is one of five teams in the top seven looking to trade back.
It would be less shocking if the Cardinals made a trade up from their second-round spot (No. 34) to grab Simpson, or simply decided to stick and pick him in that spot.
Who could steal Simpson from Cardinals?
A few teams the Cardinals have to be wary of are the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers.
It’s not outlandish to think Pittsburgh could be eyeing Simpson with the No. 21 pick in the first round given their lack of a long-term answer at the position.
We would also keep an eye on the Jets, who don’t have a future at quarterback and sport two first-round picks, including one at No. 2 and another at No. 16.
The Jets also pick one spot ahead of the Cardinals in the second round at pick No. 33.
We highly, highly doubt New York would spring for Simpson at No. 2 overall, or if they trade back from that spot.
The Cleveland Browns are another team to watch. With Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson, we suspect Cleveland will keep it status quo and re-evaluate in 2027.
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