“We tried to keep this under wraps as long as we could,” Simpson told Ian Fitzsimmons of ESPN Radio. “It was something to where I knew they were interested, but they wanted to make it private and didn’t want people to know that they were interested.“

It was there that the former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback finally revealed his private meetings with his new head coach: “So, I had some secret meetings with Coach McVay, and I just was trying to be on script and do what everybody told me and not to tell anybody.”

Eventually, the strategy worked to perfection. Simpson kept things tightly under wraps, and his arrival at the Rams was ultimately finalized, to the satisfaction of both sides. Now, it’s time to repay that trust over the course of the upcoming season.

Was the Rams’ decision the right one?

The Los Angeles Rams selected Ty Simpson as a strategic investment in their post-Matthew Stafford future. While the team remains in “win-now” mode with Stafford as the reigning MVP, his age (38) and history of back injuries forced GM Les Snead to prioritize a long-term successor over immediate depth at other positions.

The Rams chose Simpson specifically for his elite football IQ, pocket mobility, and high-level processing skills, which Sean McVay views as the perfect fit for his complex system. By drafting him now, they ensure Simpson can develop for a year or two behind Stafford—much like the Packers’ model with Jordan Love—rather than being forced to overpay for a veteran or reach for a less-talented prospect once Stafford eventually retires.

The rest of Los Angeles’ Draft picks

The Los Angeles Rams prioritized long-term stability in their 2026 draft class, selecting only five players to focus on key developmental roles. Beyond the strategic pick of Ty Simpson, the Rams added Max Klare (TE, Ohio State) in the second round to bolster their heavy personnel packages and Keagen Trost (OT, Missouri) in the third to provide much-needed insurance for their aging offensive line.

On Day 3, they focused on depth by selecting CJ Daniels (WR, Miami) in the sixth round and Tim Keenan III (DL, Alabama) in the seventh, effectively targeting high-upside prospects to secure the team’s future transition once their current veteran core begins to move on.

Prior to the NFL Draft, Jimmy Garoppolo surprised the Rams by considering retirement. This uncertainty forced Los Angeles to adjust their draft strategy, leading them to select Ty Simpson at No. 13 overall to secure the quarterback room.

With Simpson’s arrival, many wondered if he would eventually bench Stafford. However, while the veteran is open to mentoring the former Alabama standout, McVay has emphasized that Stafford is the starter for the foreseeable future—not just for one year.

“He couldn’t be more of a stud,” McVay said about Stafford. “When you’re an elite competitor the way he is, he responded exactly the way I would want to. He’s going to put his arm around this guy. . . . He’s like, ‘I understand it.’ He’s earned the right to be year to year, and if he tells me he wants to play three more years, no one would be more excited about that than me.”

The Rams are preparing for the future

Although Sean McVay stated that Simpson will have to compete for the backup role, the front office clearly views Ty as the future of the franchise. Investing a top-15 pick in a quarterback is a move intended for more than just finding an elite backup.

The Rams are aware that Simpson—who had a limited number of college starts—needs a mentor to develop properly. That mentor is Matthew Stafford, a future Hall of Famer whose guidance could lead the young signal-caller to success.

Stetson Bennett IV remains the other quarterback on the roster. However, he has not seen significant action since arriving in 2023, as the Rams previously preferred Jimmy Garoppolo in the primary backup role.

One last ride for Matthew Stafford… or not?

Sean McVay recently remarked that he would love to have Matthew Stafford for “three or more years,” a statement that suggests Simpson may have to wait his turn. Ultimately, the timeline depends on the veteran’s eventual decision to retire.

Stafford, who is coming off a 2025 NFL MVP season, has already won a Super Bowl and secured his Hall of Fame legacy. Nevertheless, his desire to win more—combined with the Rams’ competitive roster—suggests he may stay on the field longer than many originally expected.

McVay admitted he was moody. “That was never my intended way to be able to come off, but sometimes I can be a little grumpy.” McVay also cleared the air saying his relationship with GM Les Snead is great. “This is my buddy right here,” the Rams HC said.

As for why he was moody, McVay said “Well, there were other things that had nothing to do with that, which that’s normal life.” He didn’t say much more than that, but apparently, Ty Simpson was not the reason for his angered mood.

McVay actually spoke well of Ty Simpson

“I’m excited to be able to add Ty. What a blessing it is for him to be able to learn from Matthew and to be able to come into this atmosphere and environment,” McVay said. The head coach did still say that the Rams are Matthew Stafford’s team, and there is no pressure for him to retire.

McVay is a highly emotional person, for good or bad. That’s also what makes him a great leader of men, able to galvanize his troops to get the best out of them on the field. He is one of the best characters in the NFL and actually, Ty Simpson could learn a lot from him.

The Rams could’ve gone all-in, but opted for the future

The Rams were so close to go to a Super Bowl last season, that many expected to target gamechangers to challenge once again for the throne. However, they opted to get an heir to Matthew Stafford.

This also means the Rams think they can challenge for a Super Bowl with their roster right now, without the need of new pieces. They will try to run it back in what could be Stafford’s swan song.

When asked if Simpson was the first target, McVay said, “Let’s make one thing clear, this is Matthew’s [Stafford] team. You get a chance to be able to address the backup quarterback. We’ve got Stetson.”

Then he was asked about the expectations, and McVay said “we’ll see, he’s got to compete with Stetson [Bennett].“ Hence, the Rams head coach let everyone know Simpson is not even guaranteed to be the QB2 behind Stafford. That’s awfully concerning for such a high pick in the draft.

Stetson Bennett’s status with the Rams

Bennett had two runs at the National Championship during his Georgia days and won both affairs. He is one of the most decorated college quarterbacks of all time. However, he has never had a good NFL stock. He was picked 128th in the 2023 NFL Draft.

However, Bennett has only played in preseason games for the Rams. However, it seems like he won’t be relegated unless Ty Simpson wins that QB2 battle in preseason. Now, it’s up to the Alabama product to beat the Georgia alumn to prove he is worth his draft pick.

If he beats Bennett, it’s a best-case scenario for Simpson

If Simpson gets over the hurdle of Bennett, this could be the best thing that happens to him. Getting to learn from a future Hall of Famer like Matthew Stafford on a prolific scheme like Sean McVay’s is an incredible setting for a guy like Simpson.

Following Jimmy Garoppolo’s decision to retire, the Rams needed to add a quarterback to back up Matthew Stafford, who will leave football soon. Consequently, they selected former Alabama standout Ty Simpson in the 2026 NFL Draft.

With Simpson’s arrival, Matthew Stafford remains the QB1 on the depth chart. Simpson is now set to compete against Stetson Bennett IV for the backup role in the upcoming season.

By drafting Ty Simpson at No. 13 overall, the Rams have officially launched their “life after Stafford” plan. This selection is a major pivot for a team that hasn’t used a first-round pick on a quarterback since Jared Goff in 2016.

The Rams made a smart, albeit risky, selection

While Ty Simpson believed he might have slipped to Day 2, the Rams moved to ensure he was a Day 1 pick. His arrival makes sense, yet there are lingering doubts about whether he was worthy of a first-round selection.

According to scouts, Simpson’s stature and lack of starting experience in college raised concerns about his immediate NFL readiness. Nevertheless, the Rams believe that learning behind Matthew Stafford will give him the necessary time to develop before the veteran eventually retires.

This move also significantly impacts Stetson Bennett IV. Although he was the team’s fourth-round pick in 2023, the selection of Simpson suggests the club no longer views Bennett as the franchise’s future.

When will Matthew Stafford retire?

Following Simpson’s selection, the unavoidable question is: when will Matthew Stafford retire? While he remains an elite, reigning MVP quarterback, his history of injuries may lead him to consider an earlier retirement.

As of today, Stafford fully intends to play the 2026 season. Reports suggest he is open to mentoring Simpson for at least one year, potentially retiring after the upcoming campaign concludes.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Rams’ general manager Les Snead considers Ty Simpson a first-round prospect. The Rams hold the 13th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. They could trade down to get him later in the round, maybe with a team that doesn’t have a first-round pick, for instance.

The fact is that Simpson has been a very talked-about prospect. Some say he is NFL-ready, others question how high is his ceiling. Hence, his draft projections are all over the place. Now, the Rams emerge as a possible suitor.

Jimmy Garoppolo might not come back

The Rams were confident in having Jimmy Garoppolo as their QB2 behind Matthew Stafford. However, recent reports state that Garoppolo, who is now a free agent, might be considering retirement instead of coming back to the Rams.

Garoppolo is a 34-year-old player, and while he has been a backup for big chunks of his career, he’s also been a franchise quarterback with Super Bowl trips. In fact, he has a great record to his name, with 43 wins to only 21 losses. Still, he has suffered many injuries that have hampered his otherwise effective career.

McVay must pay attention to the position

Matthew Stafford just won MVP and is coming back. However, he is on borrowed time. The fact is that McVay must find an heir to Stafford and he hasn’t really addressed it in previous drafts. Maybe this could be the one.

Stafford could mentor Simpson while still playing, and then when he calls it a career, let Simpson rip it for McVay and the Rams. The Rams are a very clever team, so this year could bring a lot of surprises.

Garoppolo has spent 12 years in the NFL. While many once regarded him as a solid starter, he struggled to consistently meet those expectations and has spent a significant portion of his career as a high-end backup.

When the Rams signed him in 2024, the plan was for him to provide veteran stability behind Matthew Stafford. However, with Garoppolo now contemplating retirement, Los Angeles could be left without an experienced backup—a situation Sean McVay is desperate to avoid.

“You leave the door open,” McVay said on Tuesday about Garoppolo’s future, via Vinny Bonsignore of the California Post. “You don’t want to press. We want to be able to give him his time, and he knows where we stand.”

If Jimmy G doesn’t return, the Rams are in trouble

While Garoppolo’s peak years may be behind him, he remains a highly reliable backup. With Matthew Stafford’s injury history being a constant factor, having a seasoned veteran on the roster is essential for insurance.

As of today, Garoppolo’s return is uncertain. It will be McVay’s job to convince him to stay for one more season while the Rams develop a long-term transition plan at the quarterback position.

Currently, Stetson Bennett is the primary backup on the depth chart. Having not taken a regular-season snap since being drafted in 2023, his lack of experience might force the Rams to either secure Garoppolo’s return or pivot to the free-agent market.

Matthew Stafford’s future beyond 2026

Rumors regarding Matthew Stafford’s retirement were put to rest when he accepted his 2025 NFL MVP trophy and confirmed his return for 2026. While he is currently making “significant progress” on another contract extension, his long-term future remains a topic of discussion.

With Stafford’s tenure eventually nearing its end and Garoppolo’s status in limbo, the Rams face a difficult path to ensuring they have a reliable leader to guide the offense into the next era.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Garoppolo is weighing all his options ahead of a “final decision”. Retirement is on the table, and the 34-year-old quarterback is seriously considering that option.

If Garoppolo indeed hangs up the cleats and calls it a career after 12 NFL seasons, the Rams will enter a race against the clock to find a primary backup option. Matthew Stafford is the undisputed QB1 in the City of Angels, but the Rams must search for another candidate to fill in as the first replacement. As it stands, only Stetson Bennett is on the depth chart behind Stafford, and the national champion with Georgia hasn’t proven a reliable option in the NFL.

Rams could draft a QB

With the 2026 NFL Draft right around the corner, the Rams may be trying to speed Garoppolo’s decision. The sooner Los Angeles learns if its backup candidate wants to play football again or not, the easier it can be for them to address the elephant in the room.

If Garoppolo is out of the picture, there’s a very high chance the Rams select a quarterback in the upcoming draft. Plus, having a rookie learn behind two potential future Hall of Famers in Stafford and Sean McVay may be a dream scenario for any quarterback coming into the league. In more ways than one, it’s a win-win scenario.

Rolling with Stafford until wheels fall off

As long as Stafford is still torching defensive game plans with his prolific passing ability, the Rams may have nothing to stress about. Last season, Garoppolo didn’t throw a single pass. The former 2014 second-round pick—drafted by the New England Patriots—appeared in three games, but exclusively in garbage time as Stafford and the Rams blew opponents out of the water.

Jimmy G’s job was limited to handing the ball off and kneeling. As a result, he ended the campaign with nine carries for -10 yards. His role was remarkably similar to the one he held 10 years prior with the Patriots; Garoppolo finished the 2015 season with a lone completion and -5 rushing yards while serving as Tom Brady’s backup.

Life is cyclical, but Garoppolo had no desire to serve in such an expendable role as a 12-year veteran in the NFL. Barring an injury to Stafford, Garoppolo would be in for more of the same in 2026. Thus, having earned significant money and grown his net worth over the years, it makes sense why Jimmy G may believe he has hit the end of the road. As for the Rams, they cannot say they didn’t see it coming, though it does throw a wrench in their plans.

All of a sudden, Aaron Wilson of Click2Houston reported that Max Klare’s sweepstakes are getting hot. The Los Angeles Rams, alongside the Houston Texans, Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Denver Broncos, all had Klare visiting them.

Klare is widely regarded as the second-best tight end in this draft class, just below Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq. Previously, Klare has drawn comparisons to players like Dalton Kincaid and George Kittle.

Klare is the whole package

Tight ends must block and catch. Not many are able to do so at a great level, but Klare is great. He is an explosive route runner that has great hands and is also an above-average blocker.

While many could argue that his time in Purdue was better than his time at Ohio State, what’s undeniable is his upside. Klare is NFL-ready and could help a lot in any offense he gets in.

Where will Klare fit best?

The Texans have been very interested in Klare, but they already have Dalton Schultz. The Rams have three good tight ends, but the fact is Klare could arguably slide into TE1 status. As for the Panthers, he could thrive if given the looks. Cade Otton has established greatly in the Bucs, so that might cloud Klare’s production.

Having said all of that, the one team where he could absolutely shine is with the Denver Broncos. Evan Engram didn’t deliver in his first season with Denver and while he is still on the roster, he’s aged and the Broncos could use Klare in a much more effective way.

“The Vikings sure look like they’ve moved on from the former 10th overall pick (2024) by signing Kyler Murray. Given Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell’s success rate with QBs, maybe that’s a red flag for the rest of the NFL,” Ralph Vacchiano of FOX Sports wrote.

“But McCarthy is still young and has only 10 games of experience. He could benefit from learning under McVay on a loaded offensive team. And not only do the Rams need to start thinking about who their quarterback will be after 38-year-old Matthew Stafford is done, they also have to be prepared if he breaks down this season. Right now their backup is Stetson Bennett. McCarthy would at least be an upgrade over that. And that’s important for an expected Super Bowl contender.”

In addition to Murray, O’Connell has Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer on his depth chart. Will McCarthy ultimately find his way to Sean McVay’s team?

Between injuries and strong performances

After missing his entire 2024 rookie year due to meniscus surgery, J.J. McCarthy had a turbulent first season on the field in 2025. He appeared in 10 games, completing 57.6% of his passes for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.

His campaign was significantly hampered by health issues, including an ankle injury that sidelined him from Week 3 through Week 8, a concussion that forced him to miss Week 13, and a hand injury that kept him out of Week 17. Despite showing flashes of potential, McCarthy finished the season with a 72.6 passer rating as he adjusted to the physical demands of the NFL.

Search for Garoppolo or new talent?

The Los Angeles Rams are currently seeking for a back up for Matthew Stafford. While Jimmy Garoppolo is a free agent after his one-year deal expired, head coach Sean McVay recently confirmed the team is interested in bringing him back or potentially signing other QB to bolster the room.

By targeting established starters rather than a developmental prospect, the Rams are doubling down on their “win-now” window following Stafford’s standout 2025 MVP campaign.

Per Jordan Schultz, the Eagles, Rams, and Texans gave Douglas top-30 visits. He also reported that the Broncos had him for a private workout. Joining all of those teams in the Caleb Douglas sweepstakes, Schultz reported that the Vikings and Saints also had a workout with him, and the Cardinals scheduled a visit for next week.

While not a top-tier wideout prospect, Douglas has gathered attention as a possible Day 2 pick. After all, his size is huge and teams can see him as a vertical/end zone threat. Douglas stands at 6’4″, weighing 206 lbs.

Caleb Douglas is good, but with a glaring flaw

A star that led the Texas Tech Red Raiders in yards (846) and touchdowns (7), Douglas should have a higher draft projection, but he had one worrisome weakness during his college days: drops.

The Eagles, Rams, and Texans are teams that have talent in their WR rooms, so drops will really harm you in the pecking order. Douglas had seven drops in 2025. As for the Broncos, Sean Payton won’t give too much looks to an unreliable wideout.

Caleb Douglas’ NFL comp

Douglas’ frame and strengths line up with his weakness to make a really accurate comp. Whether he ends up being a Day 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft or not, he is very similar to Quentin Johnston.

Johnston is also a vertical, tall threat who struggles with drops, but also has quite some upside when able to actually catch the ball. If Douglas manages to correct that flaw, he could become an important piece on any offense he lands on.