LOS ANGELES — The confetti from the NFL Honors hasn’t even settled, and the Los Angeles Rams are already plotting their next decade. Matthew Stafford is back. Fresh off a stunning MVP campaign at age 38, the veteran gunslinger told the world he’s loading up for at least one more run in 2026. But while the “run it back” energy is high, general manager Les Snead knows the bill eventually comes due.
The heir to the throne?
Stafford’s return buys the Rams time, but it doesn’t solve the long-term puzzle. Enter Ty Simpson. The Alabama quarterback has emerged as a serious target for Los Angeles in the upcoming draft, according to ESPN’s Louis Riddick.
The connection makes sense on paper, but it’s Riddick’s insider knowledge that adds weight to the smoke.
“I know personally [the Rams] like Ty Simpson. His skillset and makeup is exactly what they’re looking for.”
— Louis Riddick, ESPN Analyst
Draft Strategy: The “Redshirt” Rookie
This isn’t about replacing Stafford today; it’s about insuring the franchise for tomorrow. The Rams hold 10 picks in the 2026 Draft, including four in the first three rounds. That creates a perfect window to snag a talent like Simpson without sacrificing immediate roster help.
Simpson is arguably the most polarizing arm in a thin quarterback class. His 2025 resume at Alabama was a rollercoaster:
- The Highs: A stellar regular season with 3,567 passing yards and 28 touchdowns, leading the Tide back to the College Football Playoff.
- The Lows: A rough finish. Simpson struggled in the SEC Championship loss to Georgia and looked rattled in the quarterfinal exit against Indiana.
Scouts are split. Some see a polished mechanics disciple ready for an NFL system; others see a prospect who wilted under playoff pressure. For the Rams, that variance might actually be a benefit. If Simpson slides to Day 2, Los Angeles could grab him without burning a premium first-round asset.
Playoff Implications / What’s Next
The Rams are in “win-now” mode, but the front office understands the reality of a 38-year-old quarterback. Drafting Simpson allows Los Angeles to mimic the “Green Bay Model”—let the rookie learn the complex McVay offense from the bench in 2026 while Stafford chases another ring.
If Riddick’s intel holds up, watch for the Rams to do their homework on Simpson at the Combine next week. They need a successor, and for the first time in years, they have the draft capital to go get him.
