The Los Angeles Rams’ decision to draft Ty Simpson 13th overall in the 2026 draft was as much about Matthew Stafford as it was the incoming rookie passer.
Stafford turned 38 in February, is heading into his 18th NFL season, and dealt with a back injury that sidelined him during the offseason program and training camp before he went on to have a regular season for the ages.
However, the Rams did not ignore the harsh reality of the situation.
Matthew Stafford Reality Check Looms Large for Rams
GettyMatthew Stafford’s role in the Los Angeles Rams’ decision to draft Ty Simpson is clear.
In conversations with executives around the league, The Athletic’s Mike Sando found a consensus that the Rams’ brain trust was in lock-step over Simpson, and the Stafford factor made it even more worthwhile.
One unnamed exec cited what the Green Bay Packers have done twice over. Another called it “genius” if the Rams really planned the situation out as it now seems.
Sando cited the various Stafford-related reasons the decision made sense.
“Drafting a quarterback early can obviously be dicey for a team that already has an entrenched veteran,” Sando wrote on May 1. “Matthew Stafford is more than the reigning MVP. He’s also a quarterback who has butted heads with the organization over his contract in recent seasons (the sides have been negotiating a contract adjustment this spring). His wife hosts a podcast and can also be outspoken on social media. These are all things an organization takes into account when making these sorts of moves.”
Stafford and the Rams are discussing contract extension options. Having Simpson is leverage for the Rams, but a deal is expected.
Executives pointed to head coach Sean McVay’s influence on the Rams’ decision to draft Simpson. There have also been rumors that general manager Les Snead guaranteed Simpson’s agent, Jimmy Sexton, that LA would select the QB with the 13th overall pick before the draft.
Another unnamed GM noted Stafford has “already had doubts about playing. It’s not a stretch that you would draft somebody.”
Yet another supported finding their QB of the future, even at the expense of immediate help.
Insider Questions Rams’ Decision
GettySean McVay and the Los Angeles Rams still face questions over drafting Ty Simpson, despite already having Matthew Stafford.
Sando also cited a QB coach with whom he spoke this offseason, who noted that they liked Simpson “about as much” as Fernando Mendoza, the national championship-winning No. 1 overall pick to the Las Vegas Raiders.
That same coach said McVay will “get everything there is to get” out of Simpson. He also compared Simpson favorably to San Francisco 49ers QB Brock Purdy.
However, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler recently pushed back on the decision.
“A look at the board suggests Los Angeles could have moved back and still gotten its passer,” Fowler wrote on April 29. “One potential option was Detroit moving from No. 17 to 13 to get one of the offensive tackles. Lions general manager Brad Holmes is a Rams disciple and has deep familiarity with Rams general manager Les Snead. Detroit, which had been making calls for a potential move up, stood pat.”
Fowler offered positive feedback on second-round pick and tight end Max Klare. He should pair well with 2025 second-rounder Terrance Ferguson. But McVay and Snead know their draft–their future–will be defined by the decision to select Simpson.
The Rams are even more fortunate to have Stafford in that regard. However, they are well aware that it will last but so much longer.
Rams Get Matthew Stafford Reality Check After Insider Pans Decision