Overview
- The Rams used the No. 13 overall pick in the 2026 draft on Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson to begin a planned succession behind Matthew Stafford.
- Matthew Stafford said he understands the decision after a private conversation with coach Sean McVay and reiterated that he is the team’s starter for 2026.
- The team signed Stafford to a short-term extension reported to be roughly $55 million that preserves year-to-year control and his role as starter.
- Simpson has received positive early reviews in organized team activities, with teammates saying he reads the offense and is starting to click in McVay’s system.
- The Rams plan to keep Simpson as a developmental backup competing with Stetson Bennett for the No. 2 job and expect him to see meaningful regular-season snaps only if Stafford is unavailable.