The Los Angeles Rams have made a decisive move regarding their future at quarterback. With the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, they selected Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, a decision that immediately shifted the team's focus from short-term contention to long-term planning.
Simpson entered draft night with a wide range of projections, rarely linked to the top half of the first round. Yet the Rams saw enough potential to act early. Now, the 23-year-old joins a locker room led by the league's reigning MVP, Matthew Stafford, with time on his side and expectations quietly building.
Can Ty Simpson Become Matthew Stafford's Successor?
For now, Simpson's role is clearly defined. He slots in behind Stafford, who is coming off arguably the finest season of his career. At 38 years old, Stafford remains firmly in control of the offense, but questions about how long he wants to continue playing have lingered. The Rams did not ignore that reality; they leaned into it by drafting a quarterback of the future.
Simpson offers traits that fit head coach Sean McVay's system. His accuracy stands out, especially in tight windows. He moves well within the pocket and rarely appears rushed, even when protection breaks down. However, there is a gap between potential and readiness. Simpson started just one full season in college, and that lack of experience showed late in 2025 when his draft stock dipped.
That context matters. The Rams are not asking Simpson to contribute right away. Instead, this is a developmental year. He will learn the system, adjust to NFL speed, and work behind a quarterback who understands every nuance of the position. It is a patient approach, one the franchise has used before with success.
Depth Chart and Team Reactions
Behind Stafford, the depth chart is thin but open. Stetson Bennett IV remains in the mix, though Simpson is expected to take control of the backup role sooner rather than later. With Jimmy Garoppolo unsigned and weighing retirement, the opportunity is there for Simpson to rise quickly.
There is also clarity in how this decision was handled. According to FOX's Jay Glazer, the Rams informed Stafford of their plan before making the pick, emphasizing that this was about securing the future. That message matters in a veteran locker room.
Reactions outside the building were mixed. One observer noted, "The Rams are getting ready for life without Matthew Stafford. They were so close last year, and opt for the future rather than the now. Stafford can't be a happy camper right now." Another added, "Wow, did not think Ty Simpson would go this early."
Internally, though, this was not a surprise. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported, "When Ty Simpson was trying to decide whether or not he should come out of Alabama and enter the draft, his father consulted with, among other people, Les Snead, the GM of the Rams, who told him Ty was, in fact, a first-rounder. Could the Rams, maybe in a trade-back situation, be looking at Simpson? We shall see."
They did not trade back. They did not hesitate. Now the timeline begins, even if the spotlight does not arrive right away.
