Story perspectives

Rams Draft QB Ty Simpson, Stafford Remains Starter

4/28/2026

Summary

Rams Draft Simpson

The Los Angeles Rams selected quarterback Ty Simpson with the No. 13 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Simpson told ESPN Radio he met with coach Sean McVay before the draft and was instructed not to disclose the discussion.
McVay appeared subdued at the draft conference, emphasizing that Matthew Stafford remains the Rams’ starter.
He added that succession will occur on Stafford’s terms, indicating Simpson is unlikely to start for several years.

Summary

Rams Draft Simpson

The Rams drafted quarterback Simpson in first round, the first team since the 1967 Packers to do so after picking an MVP quarterback the year before.
Dallas Cowboys lineman Tyler Booker and Kelly Stafford posted a video calling Simpson his “brother for life” and texted him offering assistance.
After 49ers GM John Lynch smirked at the pick, the Rams will face the 49ers in Australia in September, potentially featuring Simpson.

Summary

Brandt Warns Succession

Andrew Brandt warned the Rams’ quarterback succession could be tough because of egos and insecurity.
He said past shifts from Brett Favre to Aaron Rodgers and from Aaron Rodgers to Jordan Love strained star-heir relationships.
Brandt added Matthew Stafford will sit beside his eventual replacement in daily quarterback meetings, a setup that previously caused tension.
Kurt Warner said Ty Simpson’s tape sometimes looks better than fellow rookie Fernando Mendoza’s.

History

Historical Context

In the 1998 NFL draft, the Green Bay Packers chose quarterback Matt Hasselbeck with the 187th overall pick, intending him as a future heir to MVP Brett Favre. Hasselbeck spent two seasons as Favre’s backup before being traded to Seattle in 2001, a move that preceded Favre’s own departure and a major franchise shift. The Packers’ succession experiment thus foreshadowed later teams’ similar heir-apparent strategies.

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Rams Draft Simpson

The Los Angeles Rams selected quarterback Ty Simpson with the No. 13 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Simpson told ESPN Radio he met with coach Sean McVay before the draft and was instructed not to disclose the discussion.
McVay appeared subdued at the draft conference, emphasizing that Matthew Stafford remains the Rams’ starter.
He added that succession will occur on Stafford’s terms, indicating Simpson is unlikely to start for several years.

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