The Los Angeles Rams are already looking beyond Matthew Stafford as they plan for the future quarterback position. Although Stafford, the 2025 MVP, will return as the starter for 2026, his recent 38th birthday raises questions about the team’s next steps, positioning the Rams to potentially draft his successor in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. The franchise’s current setup offers the ideal environment to support a young quarterback who may require time to develop fully.
Potential Suitors for Former Alabama QB Ty Simpson
Prominent draft analyst Jared Dubin of CBS Sports has identified the Rams as one of several possible teams aiming to select Ty Simpson, a former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback, with their 29th overall pick next year. Simpson ranks as the 33rd prospect overall and is generally regarded as the second-best quarterback available in the 2026 draft class.
Dubin highlighted that the Rams could afford to have Simpson learn behind Stafford for at least one season, which suits a quarterback perceived as needing development time. Despite the Rams having defensive priorities—particularly in their secondary—they hold two first-round picks this year, potentially enabling them to invest in their franchise quarterback’s future.
Yet, Dubin also noted the inherent challenges in Simpson’s evaluation. He pointed out that inexperienced quarterbacks have generally been viewed as risky investments, with many failing to deliver in recent years. Nevertheless, Dubin expects Simpson to be taken near the top of the quarterback selections come late April, likely as the second quarterback drafted if not the first.
In his college tenure, Simpson passed for 3,567 yards, threw 28 touchdowns, and recorded five interceptions. He led Alabama to the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, where the team was eliminated by the eventual national champions, the Indiana Hoosiers. Besides the Rams, other teams rumored to be considering Simpson include the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, and Indianapolis Colts, all with picks in the top 50.
Former NFL Executive Believes Rams Favor Simpson
Louis Riddick, a former NFL player and executive, expressed his belief that the Rams have a genuine interest in Ty Simpson. Speaking on NFL Draft Daily in mid-February, Riddick stated,
“I know, personally–Look, I know they like Ty Simpson,”
Louis Riddick, former NFL executive
“When you look at Ty’s skillset, and you think about Ty’s makeup, that’s exactly what they’re looking for.”
Louis Riddick, former NFL executive
Currently, behind Matthew Stafford, the Rams roster includes veteran Jimmy Garoppolo, who has a Super Bowl ring as a backup, and 2023 fourth-round pick Stetson Bennett IV, signaling that any new quarterback would have temporary depth to develop behind.
Concerns Surrounding Ty Simpson’s Fit for the Rams
Despite some optimism, skepticism about drafting Ty Simpson remains among analysts. AJ Schulte of AtoZ Sports voiced strong opposition to the idea of the Rams selecting Simpson, citing concerns that contradict the team’s historical draft philosophy and style of play. Schulte acknowledged Simpson fits the quarterback position but questioned his suitability otherwise.
He elaborated,
“There’s just one (ok, more than one) problem with this theory to me. None of this matches how the Rams have operated over the last decade. It doesn’t make any sense,”
AJ Schulte, AtoZ Sports
“Simpson’s game…doesn’t really translate to the Rams. He only has 15 games under his belt as a starter, and it shows in his response to pressure. He gets rattled far too easily, panicking into ill-advised throws and dropping his eyes into the rush. You can immediately see his feet get frantic, and his ball placement gets erratic. Additionally, he takes far too many sacks trying to make something happen, and he’s not talented enough to make that up.”
AJ Schulte, AtoZ Sports
Field Yates of ESPN has also characterized Simpson as a polarizing choice, emphasizing the uncertainty that surrounds the 2026 draft’s first round. The Rams hold two selection slots, 13th and 29th overall, allowing multiple opportunities to secure a potential franchise quarterback early in the draft.
Rams’ Future Hinge on Quarterback Decisions and 2026 Draft Strategy
The Rams’ impending quarterback situation encapsulates significant pressure and urgency. Stafford’s age and contract extension suggest a brief transitional period before a new signal-caller takes over, and the franchise’s focus on young talent is evident in scouting efforts and mock draft speculation. Ty Simpson emerges as a leading contender, though the contrasting opinions highlight the gamble involved in this critical decision.
How the Rams approach the 2026 draft will provide insight into their long-term vision, balancing the immediate defensive needs against the strategic importance of securing a future quarterback. With two first-round picks in hand and the benefit of Stafford’s presence for another season, Los Angeles is well-positioned to shape its offense’s future—though the risk and reward of drafting Simpson or exploring other options will define this pivotal moment.
Louis Riddick on yesterday's NFL Draft Daily "I know personally they (Rams) like Ty Simpson. His skillset and makeup is exactly what they're looking for" pic.twitter.com/cnKTWXVRg9
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) February 14, 2026
Not how I envisioned my ESPN debut going ngl https://t.co/OGRmrczWiU pic.twitter.com/gkOLYOw2yW
— AJ Schulte (@AJSchulteFB) February 22, 2026
