The Los Angeles Rams selected Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to become the eventual successor to MVP-winning Matthew Stafford.
Stafford was contemplating retirement before announcing that he would return for his sixth season with the organization during his MVP acceptance speech. As of now, Simpson will become either the backup or QB3 if he beats Stetson Bennett during training camp.
One insider reveals that before the Rams drafted Ty Simpson with their first selection in the 2026 draft, the team was interested in bringing in a Super Bowl winner as Stafford’s backup.
Rams Interested in Super Bowl Winner
GettyRams were interested in bringing in a 19-year veteran to the roster
With Jimmy Garoppolo hitting free agency and the talks of him landing with another team (and retirement), the Los Angeles Rams were looking at other options to fill the quarterback room in the 2026 season.
ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler reports that the Rams were interested in signing Super Bowl-winning MVP Joe Flacco.
“The team knew in March that retirement was a possibility for Garoppolo, a free agent, effectively leaving Los Angeles without its steady backup,” Fowler writes. “During free agency, a source says the Rams made overtures to sign free agent quarterback Joe Flacco, who ultimately returned to Cincinnati [Bengals] on a one-year deal.”
Flacco, who won Super Bowl XLVII with the Baltimore Ravens, earned a Pro Bowl nod after playing in 13 games for the Cleveland Browns and the Bengals. The quarterback registered 2,479 yards and 15 touchdowns in 4 games with the Browns and 9 with the Bengals.
The Super Bowl winner was the Week 1 starter for Cleveland and filled in for Joe Burrow after he suffered his injury with Cincy.
Adding Simpson comes as a surprise, with LA having Stafford for another season and originally thought to address the quarterback room later in the draft or after.
Fowler also reports that the Rams were receiving calls about a trade for the 13th overall pick, but “stood pat” and took Simpson as an eventual successor to Matthew Stafford.
It was reported that the Rams called Stafford to alert him that the team was drafting Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick. The MVP took the news “great.”
Ty Simpson on Getting Drafted by the Rams
GettyNew Los Angeles Rams quarterback Ty Simpson
Ty Simpson had positive words about the Los Angeles Rams when he took the stage after being announced as the 13th overall selection.
“Two of the greatest minds on offense, especially with coach [Sean] McVay in the quarterback, offensive standpoint. And then, Matthew [Stafford] is one of the greatest of all time. So, I’m looking forward to it,” Simpson said.
Simpson has no negative thoughts about sitting on the bench and sees it as a positive for his development.
In his rookie season, if given an opportunity, Ty Simpson will still have to beat out Stetson Bennett for the backup QB job, who has a leg up due to his knowledge of the system.
Rams Were Interested in Super Bowl MVP Before Drafting Ty Simpson