There’s no question the Rams still belong to Matthew Stafford, but picking Ty Simpson 13th overall has definitely shifted how they think about the future.
Sean McVay has stressed that the Rams are trying to win now while also thinking ahead, balancing both the present and future in their decision-making. This approach shows it wasn’t just about adding depth behind Stafford – it was also about not getting boxed in by his age and year-to-year status.
That thinking still applies even after everything Stafford accomplished last season. He threw for 4,707 yards, 46 touchdowns and eight interceptions, won MVP, and pushed Los Angeles to the NFC Championship Game. But he turned 38 this February, and teams can’t afford to wait until they’re forced into a decision.
The Rams have to balance two timelines at once
That’s what makes the Simpson pick so justifiable, even if it seems like a high price. Rather than using this draft to simply address immediate needs, Los Angeles invested serious draft capital in a position that becomes much harder to fix when you’re desperate.
McVay also pointed out that keeping Stafford in the loop was a priority throughout. That detail shouldn’t be overlooked. The Rams aren’t looking to spark any sort of quarterback drama—they’re trying to head off a crisis before it starts.
What this means for 2026
There’s a good chance Simpson doesn’t take any meaningful snaps in the short term. He still needs to earn the backup job ahead of Stetson Bennett. But what’s clear is that the Rams see enough potential in Simpson to start planning for life after Stafford now, rather than waiting until it becomes a pressing issue.
This pick changes how every decision is viewed moving forward, from contract talks with Stafford to roster construction and even how patient the team can afford to be at quarterback. Simpson doesn’t need to play immediately to shift the team’s timeline – simply selecting him has already done that.
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