The Los Angeles Rams put their post-Matthew Stafford plans in motion on Day 1 of the 2026 NFL draft.
The Rams turned a few heads with their decision on Thursday to select Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the No. 13 pick — a move that was undoubtedly going to come with questions following an MVP season from Stafford.
Rams head coach Sean McVay reportedly informed Stafford of the plan to select Simpson earlier in the day. According to FOX reporter Jay Glazer, McVay “made it clear” to his QB1 that the Simpson pick was part of a succession plan once Stafford was ready to move on. Simpson will only take the reins once Stafford is ready to give them up.
Rams are drafting QB Ty Simpson with the 13th pick. Sean McVay actually told Matthew Stafford today of their decision and made it clear it’s for whenever Stafford decides to move on @nflonfox
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) April 24, 2026
Stafford battled a back injury early in the season that put his status for the 2025 campaign in jeopardy. The former first overall pick erased any doubts with an All-Pro campaign: 4,707 passing yards, 46 touchdowns, with just 8 interceptions across 17 games.
An MVP-worthy season was not enough, however, to silence the retirement rumors that have surrounded the battered and bruised Stafford each offseason. Even McVay sounded frustrated last season with the media droning over how long Stafford has left in the NFL.
Simpson had a standout season in his final year at Alabama. He threw for 3,567 yards with 28 touchdowns and 5 interceptions over 15 games for Alabama.
Simpson now gets a chance to learn behind one of the best in the game before getting his shot, however many seasons in the future.
