Full Breakdown
Rams Mentor Rookie: Matthew Stafford Guides Ty Simpson Amid Succession Plans
6/26/2026, 12:43:11 AM
Rams Draft Ty Simpson as Future Successor
The Los Angeles Rams selected quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, explicitly framing him as the intended heir to veteran starter Matthew Stafford. The organization emphasized that Stafford remains the starting quarterback until he decides to retire, while Simpson is expected to learn the system from day one.
Stafford’s MVP Season and Contract Extension
Stafford entered the offseason after a league-leading 46 touchdown passes and his first first-team AP All-Pro honor, earning the 2025 regular-season MVP award. In February, the Rams secured his services with a contract extension that guarantees his place as the team’s QB1 through at least the start of the 2027 season, despite the quarterback being 38 years old and turning 39 in February 2027.
Mentorship Philosophy
Stafford described his role as a “big brother” who encourages fun, professionalism, and personal authenticity. He stressed that his primary responsibility is to prepare the team and himself for competition, while offering Simpson unrestricted access to questions and guidance. Stafford’s comments highlighted a balance between competitive intensity and a “kids’ game” mindset, aiming to foster a learning environment that benefits both the rookie and the roster.
Legends’ Advice on Longevity
During the same Green Light podcast, Stafford revealed conversations with NFL icons Tom Brady and Drew Brees about extending his career. Brees, according to Stafford, suggested that the veteran could still enjoy his “best five years” despite being in his late-30s, a perspective that “lit a fire” under Stafford and reinforced his year-to-year approach to contract decisions.
Depth-Chart Outlook and Criticism
Analysts noted “raised eyebrows” when the Rams invested a first-round pick in a quarterback who will likely begin as a third-string option. A recent report indicated that Stetson Bennett IV, not Simpson, may open the 2026 campaign as Stafford’s primary backup, fueling speculation that Simpson could be stashed on the roster as QB3. Critics argue that the move compresses the development timeline for a rookie expected to assume a starting role in the near future.
Data & Statistics
- 2025 MVP season: 46 passing touchdowns (league-leading)
- Age: 38 (turning 39 in Feb 2027)
- Draft position: 13th overall, 2026 NFL Draft
- Contract extension: guarantees QB1 status through at least 2027
- Potential backup: Stetson Bennett IV (reported)
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Simpson’s exact roster status: one outlet suggests he will be listed as QB3 for September, while another implies he could compete for the primary backup role behind Bennett. No official depth-chart has been released, leaving his immediate playing time uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m not some robot out there. Love playing the game — you see me mic’d up, I’m running around like crazy, doing all sorts of wild s---, and have fun with the game because it’s a kids’ game.” — Matthew Stafford, Rams quarterback
- “My No. 1 job — I’ve said this 100 times — is to get our team and myself as ready to play as possible. And if he gathers information and he learns from that along the way, I’m fired up for our team, because that’s going to make us better. And I’m fired up for him. But I’m here to encourage — like everybody on our team — encourage everybody to do their best, keep getting better, and find ways to improve. And, hopefully, he’s a guy that 15, 20 years down the road, can look back and say, 'Man, I really enjoyed my time with Matthew and learned a lot from him.'” — Matthew Stafford
- “But at the same time, hey, I’m here for him if he needs help.” — Matthew Stafford
- “I think one of the things that surprised me is, I was talking to Drew — this was before last season — and he was like, 'How old are you, again?' I was like, 'I’m 37.' He’s like, 'You might have your best five years of your career coming up.' And I was like, 'Huh,'” — Matthew Stafford
- “I think it’s fair to me, my family — I don’t want to sit there and say, OK, 24 months from now, I’ve got to be ready to play another football season. I’m like, phew, that just seems like a lot. I know that I’m ready to play this year. And hopefully, I feel great at the end of next year, and I’m ready to play another one after that. And then maybe we just kind of keep going like that. But, committing to more than that feels a little bit daunting. And I think a little bit unfair to the team and myself.” — Matthew Stafford
What’s Next
The Rams enter the 2026 season with Stafford slated to start through the anticipated Super Bowl LXI, while Simpson’s development will be monitored as the team evaluates backup options and finalizes its quarterback hierarchy. Contract decisions and depth-chart announcements are expected in the weeks leading up to training camp.
