Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson is declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft, according to various reports. Many were forecasting that Simpson would return to school, maybe even via the transfer portal. His declaration for the draft throws an exciting wrench in April’s festivities.
Simpson impressed throughout September and October, but struggled during the latter portion of the schedule. The Martin, Tennessee native completed under 50% of his passing attempts and threw an interception in an lopsided 28-7 loss to Georgia in the SEC Championship. In a College Football Playoff defeat to Indiana, Simpson was limited to 67 yards before leaving injured.
Simpson joins Dante Moore and Fernando Mendoza as potential first-round quarterbacks. Mendoza and Moore are expected to go 1-2 overall should they both declare. Simpson isn't threatening for a top spot, but his declaration could mean a third team exits the draft with a top-32 pick at quarterback.
We’ve identified the three best team fits for Simpson in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns possess two first-round selections in the draft. They are hiring a new head coach after dismissing two-time Head Coach of the Year winner Kevin Stefanski earlier this week. General manager Andrew Berry will oversee a critical offseason.
Shedeur Sanders performed admirably when he finally got his opportunity, but Berry has consistently been steadfast in his willingness to continue trying to improve the quarterback position. Is Berry fully committed to tying his job security to a sophomore fifth-round quarterback? The Browns could draft Simpson and promote a position battle for the starting role in training camp.
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins benched quarterback Tua Tagovailoa for rookie Quinn Ewers. They'd face a historic $99.2 million dead cap charge by releasing him this offseason, but we've seen an increase in teams willing to absorb massive financial penalties to admit defeat on failed quarterbacks in recent offseasons. There's a lot happening in Miami. Head coach Mike McDaniel appears safe, but they are hiring a new general manager.
It's becoming increasingly clear that Tagovailoa is no longer viewed as the long-term solution in Miami. However they choose to navigate his departure, a mutual breakup feels eventual and inevitable. If the incoming general manager prefers to hand-pick Tagovailoa's successor immediately, Simpson would be a justifiable pick at No. 11.
Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams feel like legitimate contenders in the playoffs despite being the NFC's five-seed. Quarterback Matthew Stafford has played at an MVP level and might win the game's most prestigious individual honor. The Rams aren't thinking about the offseason yet, but when they do, attention may shift to identifying Stafford's replacement.
Rams general manager Les Snead is also equipped with two first-round selections. Last year's trade-down with the Atlanta Falcons worked out well, with the Falcons going 8-9 and missing the playoffs this season. The Rams have a competitive roster and could afford to take Simpson with one of their selections.