Los Angeles Rams veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford is already building a strong bond with rookie Ty Simpson.
Los Angeles Rams superstar quarterback Matthew Stafford is undoubtedly entering the 2026 season as the QB1. He has that spot under his belt for as long as he wants.
In the meantime, rookie quarterback Ty Simpson will be waiting in the wings.
Simpson is expected to be the successor whenever Stafford decides to retire. The when of it all is unclear, but as things stand, Stafford will look to lead Los Angeles to another title while also being a good mentor to the rookie.
In a recent appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, Stafford spoke on the addition of Simpson and said he sent him a funny welcome message.
“I’m in there with him in the meeting room, on the practice field, trying to share as much knowledge as I can,” Stafford said. “Listen, I was a big fan of Ty when he was playing at Alabama. I sent him a text after he was drafted and said, ‘Really enjoyed watching you play, you were just wearing the wrong jersey.’
“I did enjoy watching him play… I’m going to do whatever I can to get this team ready to play and win, but at the same time share some of the knowledge that I’ve gained throughout my career because I wouldn’t be in this seat right now talking to you guys after a really good football season if I didn’t have people helping me along the way too. So I’m happy to do that. He’s been a sponge.”
The Rams shocked the football world in last month's draft when they selected Simpson with the 13th overall pick. Many expected the Rams to bolster the offense by selecting a wide receiver or even an offensive lineman to protect Stafford.
Instead, the front office decided to draft Stafford’s potential successor. It was a move that shocked and surprised many; however, the Rams feel confident in their decision, even though Simpson will likely not make an impact until possibly the 2028 season if things pan out for Stafford.
Simpson is no stranger to being a backup. Prior to the 2025 season with the Alabama Crimson Tide, he spent the first three years of his college career sitting behind the likes of Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe.
The 2025 season was his first and only season as a full-time starter. In the season, Simpson recorded 305 completions for 3,567 yards, completed 64.5 percent of his throws, threw for 28 touchdowns and threw only five interceptions in 15 games.
