The 2026 NFL Draft is just days away, and while the Las Vegas Raiders' selection of Fernando Mendoza first overall is considered a foregone conclusion, the plot thickens dramatically for the next quarterback on the board. All eyes are now on Alabama's Ty Simpson and a growing sense of destiny pointing him toward the desert.
Amidst swirling quarterback speculation in Arizona, a major narrative shift occurred Friday. NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah, reacting to reports about Cardinals QB Jacoby Brissett seeking starter money, declared a new reality on social media. "Ty Simpson to AZ feels inevitable," Jeremiah stated, capturing the attention of the entire draft community and instantly reshaping the conversation around the talented passer.
A Strategic Move on the Horizon
The Cardinals, holding the No. 3 and No. 34 overall picks, are not expected to use their top-five selection on Simpson. However, the intrigue lies in a potential aggressive maneuver. League insiders believe Arizona could package assets, potentially using that No. 34 pick as a key trade chip, to vault back into the late first round and secure Simpson before another team can swoop in.
This strategy isn't without precedent. ESPN's veteran draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has already forecasted such a move, drawing parallels to the New York Giants' successful play last year to snag quarterback Jaxson Dart. In a draft where first-round trade frenzy is widely anticipated, the Cardinals positioning themselves for Simpson adds a compelling layer of drama.
Simpson's Meteoric Rise in Tuscaloosa
Ty Simpson's path to this moment was one of patience and explosive payoff. A coveted five-star recruit in 2022, he spent his first three seasons at Alabama primarily in a backup role, waiting for his moment. When he finally seized the starting job in 2025, he silenced any doubters with authority.
Leading the Crimson Tide to an 11-4 record, an SEC Championship appearance, and a College Football Playoff berth, Simpson proved he was built for the big stage. His stat line was equally impressive: 3,567 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and a mere five interceptions, all while completing 64.5% of his passes. This single stellar season cemented his status as the clear QB2 in this draft class, right behind the unchallenged top prospect, Mendoza.
The draft process itself has become a major spectacle, with personalities like Pat McAfee bringing electric energy to the podium. Yet, for Simpson, the focus remains on his proven ability to perform under pressure and lead a premier program—traits that have the Cardinals and their fans dreaming of a new franchise cornerstone.
As the clock ticks down to draft night, the connection between Ty Simpson and the Arizona Cardinals has transformed from speculative whisper to a roaring consensus. Whether through a calculated trade or a tense wait, the sense of inevitability surrounding this union is the defining subplot of the draft's opening act. All that's left is for Commissioner Goodell to make it official.
