Overview
- The Rams used the No. 13 overall pick in April to select Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson as a deliberate succession choice for the long term.
- Los Angeles signed Matthew Stafford to a one-year extension last week that keeps him under contract and positioned as the 2026 starter while limiting long-term guaranteed exposure.
- At OTAs on Thursday Stafford said he understands the pick after discussing it with coach Sean McVay and emphasized his primary duty is to prepare himself and the team for the season.
- Early offseason practices and teammates praised Simpson’s early command of the offense, but analysts and team reporting expect him to be a developmental backup in 2026 unless Stafford is injured or game situations allow mop-up snaps.
- The pairing preserves the Rams’ short-term title hopes by keeping an elite starter in place while giving Simpson a season to learn under McVay and Stafford before the franchise must decide on a long-term commitment.