Why Ty Simpson could be a key to the Seahawks’ draft plans

TL;DR

Ty Simpson, viewed as the second-best quarterback in the draft, could influence the Seahawks' strategy to trade down from pick 32. Teams like the Cardinals and Jets may seek to move up to secure him, potentially allowing Seattle to gain extra draft picks.

Key points

Ty Simpson is viewed as the QB2 in the draft class.
Seattle Seahawks aim to trade down from pick 32.
Teams like the Cardinals and Jets may want to move up for a quarterback.

Ty SimpsonSeattle SeahawksArizona CardinalsNew York Jets

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 01: Ty Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide in action against the Indiana Hoosiers in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 01, 2026 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images) | Getty Images Let’s get this out of the way first: this is not an argument for the Seattle Seahawks drafting a quarterback. Seattle appears comfortable with its current setup. Sam Darnold is the starter, Drew Lock is the backup, and Jalen Milroe is still developing. With just four picks in this draft, using one on a quarterback doesn’t make much sense. A move involving the position feels more likely to come through a trade between quarterbacks already on the roster than by adding a new one — even if that scenario isn’t particularly likely either. So where does Ty Simpson come into play? The Seahawks’ need to trade down is pretty clear. They haven’t pulled it off since 2019, and reports indicate they’ve tried in recent drafts without success. This year might be different. In an interview on Monday, the front office showed interest in moving back. Their pre-draft visits point in the same direction: plenty of Day 3 prospects, but only one Day 3 pick — a sixth-rounder. There’s a gap there, and the only real way to fix it is by adding more selections. That’s where Simpson matters. This isn’t a particularly deep or high-end draft class, which usually limits how aggressive teams are about trading up. But quarterbacks change the equation. Simpson, viewed as the QB2 in the class, is expected to go early in the second round — right in that range where teams start positioning themselves. Teams like the and , sitting at the top of the second round and both needing a quarterback, could have real incentive to move up — whether to secure Simpson or to jump ahead of each other. The fifth-year option attached to pick No. 32 only adds to that appeal. For that to work in Seattle’s favor, Simpson likely needs to still be on the board at 32. Beyond that, there are other possible trade partners. The , with two top-10 picks, have the flexibility to move around and potentially add another first-round asset without paying a premium. The Raiders could also be in play, looking to move up for a better fit — possibly targeting a wide receiver to support their new quarterback, Fernando Mendoza. Seattle wants to trade down, but it needs a trade partner. If a team is eager to move up to select the former Alabama quarterback, the Seahawks could capitalize and gain extra picks. Remember that interested teams can make a trade with other options (30, 31, 32).

Q&A

Why is Ty Simpson important for the Seahawks' draft strategy?

Ty Simpson's status as a top quarterback prospect could incentivize teams to trade up, allowing the Seahawks to gain additional draft picks.

Which teams might want to trade up to draft Ty Simpson?

The Arizona Cardinals and New York Jets are potential teams looking to trade up for Ty Simpson, as both need a quarterback.

What is the Seahawks' current quarterback situation?

The Seahawks currently have Sam Darnold as the starter, Drew Lock as the backup, and Jalen Milroe still developing, indicating they are not looking to draft a new quarterback.