GLENDALE – Who’ll be under center for the Arizona Cardinals in 2026 is still unclear, but the team did meet with a top-rated quarterback from this year’s draft. Many experts believe the franchise will pursue its next starter in free agency, but it hasn’t stopped them from covering all its bases. General manager Monti Ossenfort and his staff met with Alabama’s Ty Simpson on the first day of the NFL Combine for an interview, which the senior stated went very well.
Jan 1, 2026; Pasadena, CA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) passes against the Indiana Hoosiers in the first half of the 2026 Rose Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at Rose Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Advertisement
Simpson on meeting with Cardinals:
“Yeah, I met with the Cardinals, it was my first interview, and just super great organization. Mr. Monti is a great guy, Coach LaFleur is a super ball guy, Coach Hackett. All those guys, they love football, they’re a quarterback-driven organization, because they’re very familiar with the quarterback position. And I would love to be a Cardinal. I think that they’re a great organization.”
Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) hands off the ball to Alabama Crimson Tide running back Kevin Riley (28) on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, during the 112th annual Rose Bowl game in Pasadena. Indiana Hoosiers defeated Alabama Crimson Tide, 38-3. Syndication: The Indianapolis Star
Advertisement
Simpson is 23 years old and only started one year in college. However, the Crimson Tide star shined in his senior season. Led the SEC in pass attempts and completion for 3,567 passing yards, 28 touchdowns and five interceptions. At 6’2, Simpson is slightly smaller than other prospects in the draft but is capable of making any throw with precision with his 64.5% competition percentage.
The Cardinals could try to get their new head coach Mike LaFleur a older quarterback in that draft is coming from a prestigious program ready for NFL snaps. Simpson has some areas to iron out, noticeably his deep ball accuracy, but if Ossenfort elects to skip free agency for Arizona’s next QB, the Alabama product could be an option.
