Donovan McNabb Says Ty Simpson Pick Won't Affect Rams' Matthew Stafford

There has been plenty of talk regarding Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson being taken by the Los Angeles Rams, and the initial upset feelings that head coach Sean McVay exhibited did not help the situation either.

With McVay having to overexplain the pick, it could be that he needs to simply tell everyone that the pick is done and that is it. Still, how the pick may or may not affect Matthew Stafford needs to be considered, but NFL legend Donovan McNabb believes it will not impact the Rams' signal caller at all.

McNabb joined "The Kay Adams Show," where he discussed McVay's upset nature, but also pointed to the simple fact of Stafford being a professional.

"I think one thing we have to understand [is] we stay professional as older quarterbacks," McNabb stated. "We go through our regimen of just preparing for the season, obviously, as the starter. The experience factor plays a major part. ... More show [Simpson] by example — how to prepare, how to go about your business, how you approach each and every day at practice. And while you're doing that, making sure you're still on top of your game and top tier. Because one thing you don't want ... 'you [aren't] taking my job.'"

McNabb has a huge point in that, regardless of how Stafford or McVay feel about Simpson being drafted, there is still a job to do. Nobody believes that the reigning MVP will be unseated by the rookie in 2026 or any time soon.

McNabb also indicated that he believes the Rams and Stafford will hammer out an extension within the next month, which certainly tracks. Multiple reports have come out indicating the front office is close to a new adjusted deal for the quarterback.

What will be interesting is the language of the deal and whether or not there will be additional years added to it. Stafford has essentially been on a year-to-year deal type of basis, but that could very well have changed.

To ensure that he will not be replaced or at least will get paid, Stafford could consider a deal that signs him through the 2027 season or beyond. 

Simpson will be sitting behind Stafford and learning, which is huge for the rookie and the team. In no way does that mean he will learn fast in a manner that will lead to him taking over for the longtime veteran.

McVay said himself that this is "Stafford's team for as long as he wants it." It was believed before the Simpson pick that he would remain playing to capitalize on his remaining playing years and championship window.

The Rams have kept their core roster in place, and that core roster continues to be highly rated for the 2026 season. Simpson may have arrived, but he will not have an impact on how the team performs and attempts to go on another deep playoff run.