Leagues

Rams’ Surprise Ty Simpson Selection Raises Questions

The Rams used a rare first-round pick on quarterback Ty Simpson, despite already having MVP Matthew Stafford under center.

By Alex Schiffer

Apr 24, 2026 | 01:30 pm

Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

The Rams’ decision to draft Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson 13th overall in Thursday’s NFL draft was a surprise to many.

That included Simpson and, possibly, Rams coach Sean McVay.

Los Angeles is coming off a successful 2025 season in which it went 12–5 before falling to the eventual champion Seahawks in the NFC championship game. Quarterback Matthew Stafford was named MVP at 38-years-old, as he continues to evade Father Time.

Simpson, who was considered a late-first or early-second-round pick by most respected draft prognosticators, said the Rams weren’t too thoroughly involved in his predraft process, aside from some conversations he had with scouts at Alabama’s pro day. Simpson also said his father, Jason, who has been the head coach at Tennessee-Martin for 20 years, spoke with Rams GM Les Snead more than he did.

“This was my first time talking to Les, tonight,” Simpson told reporters. “This was my first contact.”

McVay didn’t cloak the awkwardness, either. In the team’s press conference with Snead, the usually energetic coach came off subdued, and his body language was interpreted by many as him not being a fan of the pick.

When asked if Simpson would be Stafford’s backup, McVay said, “We’ll see, he’s going to compete with [incumbent backup Stetson Bennett].”

The Rams have built one of the NFC’s most routinely competitive rosters largely due to their disregard for first-round picks. Snead traded away first-round picks in seven consecutive drafts for proven, veteran players from 2017 to 2023. He famously wore a shirt that said, “Fuck them picks” during the team’s parade after winning Super Bowl LVI.

Regardless of his placement on the depth chart, Simpson’s selection guarantees he won’t take a pay cut. Simpson turned down a $6.5 million NIL offer from Miami to stay in the NFL Draft, and he would have been making less as a rookie had he fallen below the 35th overall pick. Now he’s able to sign a four-year deal worth roughly $25.4 million, with a $15 million signing bonus.