The Los Angeles Rams shocked many by taking quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick in Thursday’s NFL Draft. The pick becomes even more surprising with the revelation that the Rams are not necessarily treating 2026 as Matthew Stafford’s last year.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said Friday that the Rams still see Stafford as their quarterback of the present and immediate future. In fact, the team believes Stafford is likely to play even beyond 2026.
“The Rams and Stafford are deep in discussions on a contract extension that would take care of him for next season and beyond,” Rapoport said. “They do believe there is a real chance that he plays after 2026.”
From NFL Draft Kickoff on @NFLNetwork: The background on the #Rams selection of QB Ty Simpson and what it means for the future. pic.twitter.com/RKKS4eQthP
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 24, 2026
If true, this means the Rams are prepared to let Simpson sit and learn for at least two seasons. That is certainly unorthodox, but the Rams have the luxury of being able to do that.
On the other hand, this will only embolden critics who think the Rams should have targeted a more immediate need instead of drafting a long-term developmental project at No. 13 overall. Coach Sean McVay looked like one of those people, although that appears to have been an acting job.
Stafford, 38, continues to play at a tremendously high level. He threw for 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns last season en route to an MVP campaign.
