Jason Burgos
Alabama star Ty Simpson is one of the more divisive prospects in next month’s NFL Draft. Draft evaluators know that the quarterback is talented, but the big question is, how high is his ceiling? Scouts only have one season of tape as a starter to look at. And while he was great for much of the year, he regressed over the final month of the year, but it wasn’t necessarily all his fault.
Simpson is likely to be taken at some point in Round 1, or early in Round 2, and teams like the Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New York Jets have been linked to the QB prospect. However, this week, veteran draft expert Todd McShay claimed there is a mystery team that hasn’t been considered as a Simpson suitor “lurking” in the evaluation process.
With that in mind, let’s speculate on who the mystery team interested in Simpson could be.
Miami Dolphins
This has been a busy offseason for the Miami Dolphins. They have moved on from several veterans, including former starting QB Tua Tagovailoa. They did replace in him in free agency with the best signal caller on the market, Malik Willis. However, the Liberty alum is far from a sure thing.
It isn’t out of the question that Miami invests a Day 2 pick on some security if Willis disappoints. At the very least, they can try to develop the Alabama star and look to trade him in the future.
Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts have a messy situation in the QB room. They should have Daniel Jones back in 2026, but he is returning from a torn Achilles, so it’s unclear when he will be available to play. Furthermore, backup first-round bust Anthony Richardson is looking for a trade. So, as of now, fifth-round pick Riley Leonard looks to be in line to start in Week 1.
While they feel Jones can be their franchise QB long-term, his health is a big question mark. Plus, he isn’t locked into a long-term deal. Simpson could be Indianapolis’ could be a Plan B if they can’t rely on the former New York Giants QB.
Carolina Panthers
This is a make-or-break season for former No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young. If the Carolina Panthers QB can’t take a leap forward and be a consistent impact player, then the team will move on. While they have a solid backup option in Kenny Pickett, he is also a failed starter from another team.
The organization has enough evidence not to trust either, so it would make sense if they are the mystery team taking a hard look at Simpson as an option in Round 2.
Los Angeles Rams
Before trading one of their picks in Round 1, the Los Angeles Rams were viewed as a potential suitor for Ty Simpson. There is a very real chance that this is Matthew Stafford’s final season, so LA must start preparing for life after the reigning MVP. It would not be surprising if they try to trade up in Round 2 and go after the Alabama QB as the heir apparent to Stafford in 2027 or 2028.
Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones is very unpredictable. Few expected them to actually trade top star Micah Parsons, but he did last fall. That’s why Dak Prescott should not assume is spot on the roster is safe for the rest of his contract.
The soon-to-be 33-year-old has a massive contract that continues to limit the team’s cap flexibility. It would not be surprising if Jones is already thinking about replacing him, and Simpson could be an intriguing option in Round 2. Prescott’s contract continues to be a hindrance, and unless Prescott leads Dallas to a Super Bowl, it seems unlikely he will be around to complete it in 2028.
