April 20 (UPI) -- Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson said he seriously considered a "life-changing" offer to play at Miami before deciding to enter the 2026 NFL Draft.
Simpson spoke about the name, image and likeness proposal on the See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack podcast.
The former Crimson Tide quarterback told On3.com in January that Miami offered him a $6.5 million deal to play in 2026. Tennessee and Ole Miss were among the other schools interested in acquiring the quarterback next season.
"I think the last offer was definitely one that I just had to sit down and consider, because it would have been life-changing money," Simpson told Pollack. "It would have made me the highest-paid player in college, and it was something to where I was like, I can't just ignore this. I have to sit down and think about it.
"That's kinda how I am, I don't want to do anything sporadic. I want to sit down and think it all out, and it really just came down to how I wanted to be remembered and what do I want to do."
Simpson said he spoke with former Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban about his opportunities. Saban advised him to consider what he wanted to do if financial incentives weren't a factor.
"And without a doubt, without hesitation, I said, 'I want to play professional football.' And he was like, 'Well, there's your answer,'" Simpson said. "It was something that I've always dreamed of, and I felt that I was ready to take that next step and be the face of a franchise and lead a locker room."
Simpson completed 65.5% of his throws for 3,567 yards, 28 scores and five interceptions over 15 appearances last season at Alabama. He is among the top quarterback prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft class and is expected to be a late first- or early second-round selection.
If he is picked between Nos. 20 and 32, his rookie contract is expected to be worth from about $16 to $20 million, with a first-year salary from $3.6 million to $4.5 million. His rookie pact could be worth from about $22.7 to $29.6 million if he is selected between pick Nos. 10 and 15.