The Los Angeles Rams defied most draft projections by picking Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson at No. 13. He will back up veteran Matthew Stafford, who should be a great role model for the rookie. The Rams had more pressing needs to address in the first round, but drafting Simpson has highlighted a significant role for the Crimson Tide signal-caller.

“The #Rams informed Matthew Stafford today that they plan to take Ty Simpson at No. 13. Stafford was told the pick is for when he retires, whenever that ends up being, per @JayGlazer,” Ari Meirov reported via X.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter had previously reported that the Rams were “eyeing” the former Alabama quarterback with their 29th pick. While the pick was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs to get corner Trent McDuffie, the Rams have stuck to their plan to select Simpson. The 23-year-old was ranked the second-best signal-caller in the 2026 class after recording 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns last season.

However, concerns around Simpson stem from his being a one-year starter. Even though he began the 2025 season with an incredibly good show, he struggled towards the end of the season. He threw two picks against an easy opponent like Eastern Illinois, and followed it up with defeats in the SEC Championship and the Rose Bowl. But perhaps his arm talent and other game skills convinced the team to draft him at No. 13, when there wer so many other position players they could have targeted.

This development does undermine Matthew Stafford’s presence on the roster. Sure, the QB is 38. But the age-defying heroics he pulled off last season has given fans hope that Stafford might be able to bring home the ultimate prize. But getting Ty Simpson with the full intention of being his successor cements the fact that the veteran QB will not be playing for a long time.

Moreover, it might not be long before the rookie finally gets to wear the QB1 crown. Apart from Stafford, the only other signal-caller who is Ty Simpson’s competition is Stetson Bennett, who is the current backup. And learning from someone like Stafford is a huge boost for the rookie, who is already a fan. He loves his new home.

“He’s one of the greatest of all time…we watched his film all the time while I was at ‘Bama…I couldn’t ask for a better situation,” Simpson said, per Bridget Condon on the NFL Network.

However, Los Angeles isn’t ready to let go of their star QB just yet.

Rams and Matthew Stafford make “significant progress” on an extension

The Rams front office has reportedly made “significant progress” regarding an extension for QB1 Matthew Stafford, according to Ian Rapoport. Coming off the best year of his career, leading the league with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns, Stafford is expected to make $48.266 million this season. The reigning MVP still has some juice left in him.

Stafford signed a four-year, $160 million extension with the Rams in March 2022, which included $135 million in guaranteed money. Then, in 2024, the contract was restructured to increase his earnings for that season by $5 million while boosting his 2025 roster bonus. Now, ahead of the 2026 season, the Rams front office hopes to do the same.

If both parties reach an agreement on an extension, the Rams would continue to compete for the Super Bowl while allowing Ty Simpson enough time to develop as the next franchise quarterback in Los Angeles. Unlike the other contract talks in the league that have gripped the media, General Manager Les Snead said there is “no drama” between the two.

Stafford might still be in play for the near future because he is the Rams’ best hope to win the Super Bowl. Maybe only when that has been ticked off the checklist, or if the QB himself taps out of the sport, Ty Simpson will be the next man up.