The Los Angeles Rams addressed their future at quarterback when they selected Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, who should take the reins from Matthew Stafford when he decides to retire.
The reigning NFL MVP Award winner will play at least one more season with the Rams, and likely two after recently signing a contract extension that keeps him under team control through 2027.
While that isn’t exactly good news for Simpson, he has still done his part to absorb as much knowledge as possible from Stafford and head coach Sean McVay.
During an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Stafford said he is happy to take Simpson under his wing and help him achieve his goals:
“I’m in there with him in the meeting room, on the practice field, trying to share as much knowledge as I can. Listen, I was a big fan of Ty when he was playing at Alabama. I sent him a text after he got drafted and said, ‘Really enjoyed watching you play, just that you were in the wrong jersey. You weren’t a dawg.’ I did enjoy watching him play. He’s a talented kid. I’m going to do everything I can to get this team ready to play, to win, but at the same time share some of the knowledge that I’ve gained throughout my career, because I wouldn’t be in the seat I am now, talking to you guys after a really good football season, if I didn’t have people helping me out along the way, so I’m happy to do that. He’s been a sponge. He’s looking to get better and really that’s everyone on our team, all the young guys that we picked.”
Stafford likely would have preferred another talented weapon to work with, but he understands how important it is for veteran players to help new draft picks make the transition to the NFL.
Stafford will continue to hold things down at quarterback for the foreseeable future, but he is also being mindful of helping his likely successor prepare for the starting role when the time comes.
Matthew Stafford’s new Rams contract details
According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, Stafford will receive a base salary of $40 million this year with other incentives and bonuses that could bring the total amount to $50 million. If Stafford extends his career beyond the 2026 season, he will be in line for another raise next year as well.
The deal seems to be a win-win for both Stafford and the Rams. The veteran quarterback will make near top-of-the-market money while L.A. keeps their Super Bowl window open for at least another two years.
