Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson’s future remains uncertain but the star is projected to be one of the first signal-callers selected in the 2026 NFL draft. This is dependent on Simpson turning pro as the Bama quarterback faces a decision on his future after the season.
The early NFL draft projections predict Simpson is firmly a first-round pick with a chance to be a top-five selection. One team who could be in the market to replace their current starting quarterback is the Arizona Cardinals.
Things have been awkward between Kyler Murray and the Cardinals. Arizona could look to act if a touted quarterback like Simpson falls to them in the NFL draft.
Here’s what you need to know about Simpson’s NFL draft projections.
Ty Simpson’s NFL Draft Projections: Cardinals Predicted to Select Alabama QB to Replace Kyler Murray
CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson’s latest mock draft has the Cardinals selecting Simpson with the No. 5 pick. The mock draft projects Simpson as the third quarterback selected behind Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and Oregon’s Dante Moore.
“Simpson is a big-armed pocket passer who plays with composure and outstanding mental processing both before and after the snap,” Wilson wrote in December 30, 2025, story titled, “Wilson’s 2026 NFL mock draft 4.0: Cowboys beef up the trenches as the Steelers look for help at WR.”
“He plays with an aggressive confidence and excels at navigating muddy pockets, throwing accurately on short and intermediate routes, and ripping tight-window throws with anticipation — though he has been historically inconsistent on deep balls. Simpson is athletic enough to buy time with his legs to extend plays and move the sticks.”
The Cardinals Could Look to Move on From Kyler Murray & His $230 Million Contract
Murray’s sizable five-year, $230 million contract could prompt Arizona to think long and hard before drafting a quarterback. The star’s deal is slated to run through the 2027 season.
Murray is a former No. 1 pick and 2-time Pro Bowler. The star quarterback has battled injuries in recent seasons.
Murray missed 12 games in 2025 and nine contests in 2023. The signal-caller was able to start all 17 games for the Cardinals in 2024.
Ty Simpson on NFL Draft or Returning to Alabama: ‘I Haven’t Really Thought About It Much’
Simpson has remained mum on his future with Alabama. Even with his potential NIL earnings, it may be challenging to pass up on the chance to be a top-10 draft pick. For now, Simpson has maintained his focus is on helping Alabama win another national championship.
“I haven’t really thought about it much, to be honest with you,” Simpson said of his future, per AL.com. “Just because of the big game coming up.”
If there is a knock against Simpson’s potential resume for NFL teams, it is that the quarterback has just one season as a college football starter.
“… Simpson doesn’t have the experience NFL teams desire at the quarterback position,” The Athletic’s Dane Brugler explained in a November 11, big board update. “Believe it or not, Simpson already had graduated and secured a degree from Alabama before even throwing his first career touchdown pass.
“However, if you’ve watched Simpson play this season, you’ve seen a passer with the processing and operation of a future NFL starter. How will NFL teams reconcile Simpson’s lack of starts with his promising tape? If he declares, that will be the main question surrounding his draft outlook. But there is no denying the high-level quarterback play he’s delivered.”
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