The final days before the 2026 NFL Draft are a whirlwind of last-minute meetings, workouts, and strategic evaluations. For the Arizona Cardinals, that process recently included a close look at a talented signal-caller from one of college football's premier programs. Reports confirm that former Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson took a final "Top 30" visit at the Cardinals' facility in Tempe, Arizona, signaling serious interest in the developmental prospect.
This visit offers an insightful glimpse into the meticulous evaluation process conducted by General Manager Monti Ossenfort and Head Coach Mike LaFleur. While the Cardinals' immediate quarterback future is secured with Kyler Murray, the long-term planning at the position remains a priority. Inviting a prospect like Simpson for an intensive evaluation underscores Arizona's commitment to due diligence on a player who could provide valuable depth and developmental potential in the quarterback room.
Who is Ty Simpson?
Ty Simpson arrived at Alabama as one of the most highly regarded quarterbacks of the 2022 recruiting class. A five-star prospect from Martin, Tennessee, he committed to Nick Saban's Crimson Tide, a program renowned for producing NFL-ready quarterbacks. His collegiate career at Alabama has been defined by patience and steady growth behind elite talents such as Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe.
During the 2024 season, Simpson garnered the most extensive action of his collegiate career, appearing in ten games and starting twice. His performance highlighted several traits that initially made him a desirable NFL prospect: a strong, accurate arm, pocket mobility, and the steady poise cultivated in a pro-style offensive system.
In 2024, Simpson completed 62.5% of his passes for 983 yards, eight touchdowns, and two interceptions. Those raw numbers tell only part of his story. NFL evaluators value Simpson's quick and compact release, ability to deliver throws to all levels of the field, and athleticism that allows him to extend plays and gain rushing yards when needed. His experience learning an offense that involves complex pre-snap reads and protection adjustments is particularly encouraging for his transition to the NFL.
Critics point to Simpson's limited starting experience as a drawback. With fewer in-game reps than many quarterback prospects, projecting his ceiling can be challenging, and adapting his processing speed against more consistent NFL pressure remains an area for improvement. Nonetheless, his combined physical and mental attributes create a compelling prospect for teams interested in long-term development.
The Cardinals' Quarterback Room and Strategy
The Cardinals enter the 2026 draft anchored by Kyler Murray, who continues to establish himself as one of the league's top dynamic quarterbacks. Alongside Murray, the Cardinals maintain depth with quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett, Kedon Slovis, and Logan Woodside on the roster. Notably, Clayton Tune is no longer part of the organization, having departed prior to the 2026 season.
Given this depth, the significant pre-draft attention devoted to Simpson may raise questions. Why dedicate one of the limited "Top 30" visits to yet another quarterback when the position appears stable?
The answer lies in the NFL's demand for quality depth, especially at quarterback. With extended seasons and the ever-present risk of injury, having capable, cost-controlled backups is crucial. Moreover, Simpson presents an intriguing developmental profile, combining starter-caliber physical tools with a realistic draft value in the middle or later rounds.
Holding the fourth overall pick, the Cardinals are unlikely to select a quarterback in the first round. Instead, they are expected to focus on premier non-quarterback talent. This leaves Day 2 and Day 3 picks as ideal opportunities to draft a prospect like Simpson, who could offer a high upside for a low investment.
Simpson's skill set complements the current quarterback core. While Brissett and Slovis bring experience and varied skill sets, Simpson offers a different combination of arm strength and athleticism that could foster competition and depth. Additionally, having multiple quarterback styles enriches the offensive options and provides the coaching staff with versatile options for game planning.
The Importance of a "Top 30" Visit
In the lead-up to the draft, teams conduct "Top 30" visits for their highest-priority prospects. These visits are intensive, comprehensive evaluations involving face-to-face interviews, medical exams, film breakdowns with coaches, and mental aptitude assessments. Unlike casual pre-draft meetings, Top 30 invites signal strong interest and often precede draft day selections.
That Ty Simpson's final Top 30 visit was with the Cardinals suggests Arizona has conducted thorough pre-draft research and is keen to finalize their assessment before the draft board locks in. The timing points to the Cardinals seriously considering Simpson among their Day 2 or Day 3 options.
Draft Outlook and System Fit
The Cardinals' strategy in the 2026 NFL Draft will almost certainly emphasize high-impact non-quarterback positions with their early picks, targeting an elite wide receiver or a disruptive defensive player to bolster the roster around Murray.
Simpson, expected to be available in the fourth through seventh rounds, matches a value profile for a team seeking developmental upside without allocating premium draft capital. Selecting him in the mid to late rounds would align with a prudent approach to roster building and draft value.
Offensively, Simpson's experience in a pro-style, complex system at Alabama aligns well with the Cardinals' scheme under Offensive Coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. Though not as dynamic a runner as Murray, Simpson's mobility allows him to execute bootlegs, rollouts, and occasional designed runs. His arm strength enables him to stretch defenses vertically, especially off play-action--an area Hackett's offense often exploits.
Most importantly, Simpson would have the benefit of time to develop behind Murray without immediate pressure to start. For young quarterbacks, learning from an established veteran in a well-structured environment often accelerates the transition to the professional level.
Conclusion
Ty Simpson's final Top 30 visit with the Arizona Cardinals represents a meaningful and strategic evaluation by a front office focused on depth, development, and prudent roster management. His blend of physical talent, mental preparation, and system familiarity make him a promising candidate for a late-round selection.
Cardinals fans can view this move not as a challenge to Kyler Murray's position, but as evidence of a forward-thinking organization building sustainable success. Investing in quarterback depth is essential in today's NFL, and adding a developmental prospect like Simpson could significantly strengthen the position group in the coming years.
As the 2026 NFL Draft unfolds next week, keep an eye on the later rounds. Should commissioner Roger Goodell announce, "With the [pick number] selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals select... Ty Simpson, quarterback, Alabama," it will affirm this final visit as a strategic step toward securing a valuable asset for the franchise's future.