Matthew Stafford
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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JANUARY 25: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on during the second quarter against the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship game at Lumen Field on January 25, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jane Gershovich/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Rams may be preparing for life after Matthew Stafford sooner than many fans realize.
ESPN’s Louis Riddick reported on Sunday that the Rams are already laying the groundwork for their next quarterback era — and one name appears to be firmly on their radar.
Alabama’s Ty Simpson, who’s coming off a stellar campaign with the Crimson Tide — throwing for 3,567 yards (11th in FBS) and 28 touchdowns (T-28th) — could be headed to Los Angeles in April’s NFL Draft.
“I know personally the Rams like Ty Simpson,” Riddick said. “When you look at his skillset and you think about his makeup, that’s exactly what they’re looking for.”
With the Rams holding the No. 13 and the No. 29 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, it’s possible that Simpson could land at one of those spots.
Rams Preparing for their next QB1
The Rams aren’t in crisis mode with Stafford. He’s coming off his first MVP in Year 17. When healthy, the 38-year-old gunslinger is still capable of running Sean McVay’s offense at a high level, and Los Angeles remains competitive with him under center.
But Stafford has dealt with multiple injuries in recent seasons, and carries significant long-term financial implications. That combination forces smart organizations to think two steps ahead — not one season ahead.
This is where Simpson enters the picture. The Rams wouldn’t be drafting him to start immediately. The plan would be development, not deployment.
A true QB-in-waiting model.
Sit behind Stafford. Learn McVay’s system. Develop mechanically. Adapt to NFL speed. Grow without pressure.
It’s the exact blueprint that successful franchises use when transitioning from veteran quarterbacks instead of collapsing into chaos when the window closes.
Why Ty Simpson Fits the Rams’ Model
Simpson is talented with upside, but he’s also a profile fit for the Rams.
Coming from Alabama, he brings pro-style system experience against SEC competition. He’s athletic, mobile, and has the arm talent to operate vertically — which aligns directly with McVay’s offensive DNA.
But more importantly, his developmental timeline matches the Rams’ situation perfectly. One to two years learning from Stafford creates a controlled transition, rather than a major scramble.
Of course, the Rams aren’t pushing Stafford out. His return for at least another season gives McVay and general manager Les Snead clarity they lacked last year. With Stafford healthy, the Rams can focus on improving around him rather than questioning the QB position.
Stafford has battled injuries, so planning ahead is wise. Adding a player like Simpson and wasting no time with his development stages will allow for L.A. to focus on other areas of the roster.
With over $46 million in projected cap space for 2026, the Rams can strengthen the roster while preparing for the post-Stafford era. He can develop quietly while the team competes at a high level. Other options like veteran Jimmy Garoppolo makes certain that they aren’t panicking.
If Simpson lands in L.A., he could become the next cornerstone, learning under one of the league’s most innovative minds while Stafford continues to play at an MVP level.