The Los Angeles Rams shook up more than just their group with their surprising blockbuster trade for now-former Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie, with the effects of the decision expected to impact the 2026 draft class, specifically quarterback Ty Simpson.
Simpson is in play to be the second quarterback off the board, though where he will land is among the most intriguing storylines of Day 1.
At one point, LA seemed to be a strong possible destination.
Rams ‘Hurt’ Ty Simpson’s Draft Stock With Blockbuster Trade
GettyTy Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks on during the SEC Championship Game against the Georgia Bulldogs.
The Rams sent a package of picks to the Chiefs for McDuffie this offseason, including the 29th overall selection.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, that decision may have changed everything for Simpson.
“When the Rams sent the No. 29 pick to the Chiefs in a deal for cornerback Trent McDuffie, it had one unintended consequence that some might not have realized: It hurt the chances that quarterback Ty Simpson would be a first-round pick,” Schefter wrote on April 20.
“League sources say the Rams had been eyeing him, but more so with the No. 29 pick than No. 13, which they still hold. Had the Rams not traded for McDuffie and held onto No. 29, sources say that Simpson would have been square in the conversation to land in Los Angeles behind Matthew Stafford.”
Simpson has been a polarizing prospect, with many questioning his lack of collegiate starting experience.
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler compared him to “Daniel Jones with lesser physical traits.”
“Simpson has the command and process of an NFL quarterback, but he needs valuable experience to be more efficient in his reads, and to better understand what is open and what isn’t,” Brugler wrote in his “The Beast” draft guide, giving the ex-Crimson Tide QB a second-round grade. “He projects as a low-level NFL starter, with the ceiling of a mid-level starter and floor of a backup.”
Rams Could Land Major Upgrade to Current QB Plan
GettyGarrett Nussmeier #18 of the LSU Tigers reacting in the middle of a game against the Texas A&M Aggies.
The Rams only have 2023 fourth-round pick Stetson Bennett behind Stafford, but they could find greater value in other options besides Simpson in the draft.
Specifically, LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier could be in play.
“No surprise that Nussmeier reportedly held a private workout for the Rams,” Rams Bros. posted on X on April 14. “Projected day 2 pick that would 110% be an upgrade over Bennett (who’s on the final year of his rookie deal).”
Bennett has yet to take a snap during a regular-season game, and he will turn 29 during the 2026 season.
Nussmeier’s father, Doug Nussmeier, is the New Orleans Saints’ offensive coordinator.
He was also previously with the Rams, giving the younger Nussmeier a connection to the franchise, albeit one that was forged while the club still called St. Louis home. However, Nussmeier would still leave the Rams with an inexperienced backup.
Rams Still Have Options With Super Bowl Pedigree
GettyJimmy Garoppolo #11 of the Los Angeles Rams watches play against the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Rams could select Nussmeier (or Simpson) and still opt to add a veteran behind Stafford for the upcoming season. Among their available options are a trio of Super Bowl winners in Aaron Rodgers, Jimmy Garoppolo, and Russell Wilson.
Garoppolo has been the Rams’ QB2 for the past two seasons, but he remains a free agent even after missing out on an opportunity with the Arizona Cardinals.
Rams head coach Sean McVay downplayed any expectation of Garoppolo’s return.
Rodgers seems destined to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers, even if an answer will not come until later. That would leave Wilson, whose skill set at this point in his career belies the playing style that helped him achieve all that he has.
Whatever the Rams decided, it is unlikely–and could prove shortsighted–that they go into the 2026 season with only a rookie like Simpson or Nussmeier and Bennett behind Stafford.
Blockbuster Rams Trade Had ‘Unintended Consequence’ for Polarizing QB