Rams Draft Alabama's Ty Simpson - What Does This Mean For Matthew Stafford?

Despite having Matthew Stafford locked in for the 2026 season, the Los Angeles Rams have decided to use the No. 13 overall pick on Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson.

Simpson had a great 2025 season with the Crimson Tide, completing 64.5% of his passes for 3,567 yards with 28 touchdowns and five interceptions. Although he received lucrative NIL offers to return to college, he opted to go pro. That turned out to be a wise decision.

While there's no guarantee Simpson will become a franchise quarterback, he's got a chance to learn from a future Hall of Famer this fall.

According to FOX's Jay Glazer, the Rams told Stafford about their decision earlier this Thursday. They said this move was specifically made so they have a potential successor in the building.

Could Simpson eventually replace Stafford as the long-term starter in Los Angeles? Sure, but don't expect to see him on the field this season. It'll be Stafford's show until he hangs up his cleats.

Judging by the early reactions on social media, NFL fans didn't expect the Rams to use a top-15 pick on a quarterback.

"The Rams are getting ready for life without Matthew Stafford," one person said. "They were so close last year, and opt for the future rather than the now. Stafford can't be a happy camper right now."

"Wow did not think Ty Simpson would go this early," a fan wrote.

"McVay saw Shanahan scamming stats for Purdy and said let me get my own joystick," a second fan commented.

"This is hilariously bad," another fan declared. "They should've traded the pick away like they usually do."

Ty Simpson already has a connection with the Rams.

Before the NFL Draft even started, Simpson's father spoke to Rams general manager Les Snead. He was assured that his son would be a first-round pick.

"When Ty Simpson was trying to decide whether or not he should come out of Alabama and enter the draft, his father consulted with, among other people, Les Snead, the GM of the Rams, who told him Ty was, in fact, a first-rounder," NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said, via On3. "Could the Rams, maybe in a trade-back situation, be looking at Simpson? We shall see."

Clearly, the Rams did their homework on Simpson. Time will tell if this pick pays off for them.

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This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 6:28 PM.