Alabama star Ty Simpson is one of the more divisive prospects in next month's NFL Draft. Draft evaluators know the quarterback is talented, but the big question is what is his potential? Scouts only have one season of tape to look at as a starter. And while he was great for most of the year, he went backwards in the last 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 such as 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 has not been considered as "hidden" as the Simpson movers in the evaluation process.
With that in mind, let's speculate who the mysterious team interested in Simpson might be.
miami dolphins
It's been a busy offseason for the Miami Dolphins. They have moved on from several veterans, including former starting QB Tua Tagovailoa. They replaced him in free agency with Malik Willis, the best signal caller on the market. However, the Liberty alum is far from a sure thing.
It's not out of the question that Miami invests a Day 2 pick at some safety 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 are in a mess in the QB room. They should have Daniel Jones back in 2026, but he is returning from a nagging condition, so it's unclear when he'll be available to play. Additionally, 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 for a long time, his health is a big question mark. Also, he is not tied to any long-term deal. Simpson could be Indianapolis' 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 become a consistent impact player, the team will move on. While they have a solid backup option in Kenny Pickett, he is also an unsuccessful starter on the other team.
The organization has enough evidence not to believe it, so it would be understandable if they were a mystery team taking a close 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's a very real possibility that this is Matthew Stafford's final season, so LA should start preparing for life after the reigning MVP. It wouldn't be surprising if they try to trade up in Round 2 and go after the Alabama QB as Stafford's successor in 2027 or 2028.
dallas cowboys
Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones is very unpredictable. Some people hoped they would actually trade top star Micah Parsons, but they lost out last fall. That's why Dak Prescott shouldn't assume a roster spot is secure for the remainder of his contract.
The soon-to-be 33-year-old has a huge contract that is increasingly limiting the team's cap flexibility. It wouldn't be surprising if Jones is already thinking about replacing him, and Simpson could be an interesting option in Round 2. Prescott's contract remains a stumbling block, and unless Prescott leads Dallas to the Super Bowl, it seems unlikely he will be able to accomplish that in 2028.
