Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Rams Draft Ty Simpson, Secretly Meet McVay, Staffords Heir

4/28/2026

50 11 Full Breakdown

Summary

Rams Draft Simpson

The Los Angeles Rams drafted Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Simpson said he met privately with coach Sean McVay before the draft, kept the meeting secret, and the conversation lasted hours.
The Rams said Simpson will be Matthew Stafford’s backup and will succeed him on Stafford’s terms.

Summary

Stafford Contract Talks

General manager Les Snead and quarterback Matthew Stafford are discussing a contract extension that would end after the 2026 season.
A league source said progress has been made but the adjusted contract remains unsigned, with the Rams expecting Stafford to return in 2026 and backup quarterback Ty Simpson to serve as backup.
In 2025 Stafford threw for 4,707 yards, 46 touchdowns, won MVP, and guided the Rams to the NFC Championship Game.

History

Historical Context

The Rams’ 1999 revival, sparked when starter Trent Green’s preseason ACL tear thrust undrafted Kurt Warner into a 13-3 season and a Super Bowl XXXIV win, established a legacy of turning overlooked quarterbacks into stars. Building on that tradition, the 2026 Los Angeles Rams drafted Alabama’s Ty Simpson as Matthew Stafford’s heir under Sean McVay, hoping to repeat the franchise’s historic quarterback-development success.

1 of 3

Rams Draft Simpson

The Los Angeles Rams drafted Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Simpson said he met privately with coach Sean McVay before the draft, kept the meeting secret, and the conversation lasted hours.
The Rams said Simpson will be Matthew Stafford’s backup and will succeed him on Stafford’s terms.

1 / 3