The Los Angeles Rams selected Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The move signals the Rams’ intent to plan for the future at quarterback, even as reigning NFL MVP Matthew Stafford remains under contract for the 2026 season. Stafford, who will be 38 during the upcoming season, has expressed intent to play beyond 2026, with contract extension discussions underway. Head coach Sean McVay emphasized that Stafford remains the team’s starting quarterback, stating, “Let’s craft one thing clear, this is Matthew’s team.” The selection of Simpson is viewed as a long-term investment, allowing the young quarterback to develop behind a veteran starter and learn within McVay’s offensive system. Simpson started one season at Alabama in 2025, completing 305 of 473 passes for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and five interceptions. He began the season strongly, throwing 21 touchdowns and just one interception in the first nine games before a decline in production during the second half, which the team attributed in part to health issues including gastritis. Prior to the draft, Simpson was regarded as one of the more polarizing quarterback prospects due to limited starting experience—just 15 collegiate starts—but praised for his processing ability and flashes of elite play. He was ranked as the second-best quarterback in the 2026 draft class by CBS Sports and became the fourth Alabama quarterback selected in the first round since 2020, joining Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, and Bryce Young. The pick was acquired through a prior trade with the Atlanta Falcons and used specifically to target a quarterback heir apparent. Analysts noted the selection was unexpected, as most projections had Simpson available later in the first round or on Day 2 of the draft.
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