Why did the Rams draft Ty Simpson? Los Angeles stuns fans by selecting Alabama QB to back up Matthew Stafford originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Los Angeles Rams pulled off the biggest stunner of the 2026 NFL Draft, landing their potential quarterback of the future.Despite having a likely future Hall of Famer in Matthew Stafford already, Sean McVay and company used pick No. 13 in the first round on Alabama Crimson Tide passer Ty Simpson, who was expected to be a late-first or early-second rounder.Instead, the Rams used their chance to grab Simpson, who becomes the backup to Stafford — and, according to Jay Glazer, it was a move made with the post-Stafford era in mind.Here's why the Rams took Simpson at No. 13 overall in one of the 2026 NFL Draft's most surprising selections.2026 NFL DRAFT HQ:Live tracker | Pick-by-pick grades | Best players still availableWhy did the Rams draft Ty Simpson?The Rams have found plenty of success in the Stafford era, trading for the quarterback in 2021, then winning a Super Bowl and continuing to eye contention in the NFC.
Stafford has blossomed into his later years as one of the NFL's best quarterbacks — at age 37, he finished second in MVP voting in 2025, leading one of the league's best air attacks.But Stafford's age — and his back-and-forth contract negotiations with the Rams over the years — have signaled that the end of his career is approaching, one way or another. Taking Simpson is all about the future for the Rams, which is a bit of a shift in the philosophy for a franchise that is known for swapping top draft capital for current stars.By taking Simpson, L.A. lands a young passer with strong mechanics and processing skills who can learn behind an all-time-great in Stafford for the 2026 season, at the very least.
In the long-term, the Rams are hoping Simpson can then blossom into a capable starter for McVay's offense.On Friday, GM Les Snead explained that he and Sean McVay are on the same page regarding the pick."It’s one of the things that we're working together to go through it," Snead said. "Matthew is on his way to, I would say this, a Hall of Fame career, right? And he still has gas left in the tank.
And big picture, our vision’s always been, hey, let’s make the most of this time with Matthew and his teammates — let’s chase special together, however long that may [last]. I mentioned at the beginning of the segment, there’s no timeline on this. The longer, the better.
Matthew just came off an MVP season, so if he continues playing, it's like, this is better for everyone involved."While there was some speculation that McVay wasn't on board with the pick, Snead said that's not the case."We're in lockstep. We work together. We're collaborative," he said.
"It's him and I partnering to try to do the best for the Rams."Per Glazer, McVay told Stafford of their decision to take Simpson at No. 13 on Thursday, and "made it clear it’s for whenever Stafford decides to move on." Despite his recent success, Stafford is in the twilight of his career one way or another. He's expected to remain the Rams' star quarterback for at least 2026 — but his contract is up after the coming season.
L.A.'s pick is about eyeing the future of its offense.MORE NFL DRAFT NEWS:7 safest picks in 2026 NFL DraftRiskiest picks in 2026 NFL Draft11 potential steals in the 2026 classMeet these small-school sleepersRams QB depth chartRankPlayer1Matthew Stafford2Ty Simpson3Stetson BennettThere's no question about who has the keys to the Rams' offense as long as he's healthy: Stafford. In 2025, he totaled 4,707 passing yards, 46 touchdowns and eight interceptions, arguably the best season of his career at age 37. Even as he heads into his age-38 season, Stafford has one of the best arms in the NFL, and L.A.'s Super Bowl aspirations fall upon him.However, Simpson should step in as a capable backup to Stafford, simultaneously learning behind the star veteran while bringing a five-star background to his role if needed on the field.
Simpson's strengths are considered to be his footwork, processing and mechanics, all assets that should only improve as he learns behind Stafford. His pedigree as Alabama's former star should be enough to become QB2 ahead of Stetson Bennett.Stafford has had contract disputes with the Rams in the past. He hasn't officially said how long he plans to play in the NFL, but the expectation is that it won't be a considerably long-term timeline.
When Stafford is ready to step away, whether next offseason, in two years, or in three years, Simpson will be waiting in the wings — L.A. is hoping its "draft and learn" strategy can follow the likes of how Jordan Love developed behind Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay or Lamar Jackson behind Joe Flacco in Baltimore.If Stafford is sidelined for any reasons during the 2026 season, Simpson could see the field as a rookie. But if not, expect to see the former Crimson Tide star on the sideli