Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams are expected to work out a contract extension, even as the team has planned for life after the reigning MVP by selecting Ty Simpson 13th overall in the 2026 draft.
One of Stafford’s teammates, Pro Bowl outside linebacker Byron Young, spoke candidly about the situation.
Young is excited about Simpson’s potential, but he is “happy” to have Stafford back.
Byron Young Gets Honest About Matthew Stafford’s Return to Rams
GettyLos Angeles Rams outside linebacker Byron Young spoke candidly about Matthew Stafford returning for an 18th NFL season.
Young has been teammates with Stafford since 2023, when the Rams selected the 2025 Pro Bowler 77th overall in the draft. Young said he “wasn’t surprised” that Stafford decided to return, despite not knowing for sure until it happened.
The pass rusher pointed to the QB’s mental makeup.
“I was happy for sure, but I wasn’t really that surprised,” Young said, per Ratings’ DJ Siddiqi on May 4, adding that he knows Stafford’s “mentality and he wants to win.”
Young said he also knows Stafford “wants to get there (Super Bowl) and how close we were. I definitely found out when everyone else was watching it. I knew he probably wouldn’t have hit us with a bombshell, so I was waiting for that.”
Stafford announced his decision during his MVP acceptance speech at the NFL Honors in February. He led the Rams to within one victory of their second Super Bowl during his tenure.
Stafford notably navigated a back issue last offseason before leading the league in TD passes.
Matthew Stafford Due for a Raise
GettyMatthew Stafford’s contract is outdated amid a steadily booming QB market.
Word of Stafford’s camp and the Rams working through the details of a potential multi-year extension emerged in March. And while they have yet to strike a deal, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported in April that there was “significant progress made.”
Stafford is on an expiring, two-year, $84 million contract.
The two sides agreed to that pact last offseason, reworking what had been a four-year, $160 million deal, the richest in franchise history.
Stafford’s deal ranks 14th in average value, 16th in total value, and 18th in total guaranteed money, per Over The Cap. He ranks behind Brock Purdy of the San Francisco 49ers and/or Sam Darnold of the Super Bowl-champion Seattle Seahawks in all three categories.
Former Rams and current Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff bests Stafford across the board.
Rams’ Hedge Against Matthew Stafford Gets Strong Reaction
GettyFor now, Ty Simpson is the Los Angeles Rams’ insurance policy in case Matthew Stafford decides to walk away.
The Rams have openly indicated that Stafford has earned the right to be on this sort of year-to-year plan. However, the reality is that it also means they must plan accordingly, leading to their selection of Simpson in Round 1 of the 2026 draft.
Young, for one, believes Simpson is a “good quarterback,” as well as a “great kid.”
“With the front office, trusting everything that they do is in the best interest of this team,” Young said of the decision. “I’m looking forward to seeing where this goes. We got some great players, got some D-linemen, got some tight ends. Got some receivers in there. I can’t wait to see what these guys bring to this. I have no doubt that these guys will come in, definitely help motivate you regardless of what pick they are.”
Simpson has been a polarizing topic, while all public knowledge of Stafford’s reaction remains second-hand at best. An extension could smooth things over for the latter.
Rams Teammate Sends Clear Message on Matthew Stafford Amid Contract Situation