PITTSBURGH –The Arizona Cardinals entered draft night widely viewed as a frontrunner to land Alabama QB Ty Simpson. Betting markets, including projections from DraftKings, reflected that expectation. Instead, the board shifted. The Los Angeles Rams moved up in a shocking development and selected Simpson 13th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, leaving Arizona without a clear long-term answer at quarterback.
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Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson (QB17) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The immediate impact is structural. The Cardinals now head toward the 2026 season with Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew atop the depth chart, two experienced options, but neither typically viewed as a franchise centerpiece. That reality alters both short-term expectations and long-term planning. From a strategic perspective, missing on a top quarterback prospect extends the rebuild timeline. Teams without defined quarterback stability often compensate with conservative offensive design, limiting explosive play potential and placing greater emphasis on defense and situational execution. While that approach can keep games competitive, it rarely elevates the overall ceiling.
Alabama’s Ty Simpson (15) a touchdown pass during the College Football Playoff game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Friday Dec. 19, 2025. Syndication: The Oklahoman
Quarterback selection, particularly in the first round, often serves as a signal of direction. It provides clarity and, in many cases, renewed optimism. Without that addition, uncertainty lingers. Early indicators, including fan sentiment and market reaction, suggest frustration tied not just to the outcome, but to an expectation that had been built beforehand. Psychologically, moments like this can shape perception of a front office’s decisiveness. Missing out on a projected target invites scrutiny about contingency planning and adaptability, especially at the QB position.
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
Arizona now faces a historically familiar challenge to build competitiveness without long-term certainty at quarterback. How the Cardinals respond, through development, future drafts, or roster moves, will define both their trajectory and their ability to re-engage a fan base seeking direction.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
