Matthew Stafford shares verdict on Rams’ shock QB decision as MVP lifts lid on new role

May 28, 2026 - 16:00

The Los Angeles Rams made the surprise pick of the 2026 NFL Draft.

With the No. 13 overall pick, the Rams selected polarizing quarterback Ty Simpson.

Ty Simpson of Alabama celebrates after being selected thirteenth overall pick by the Los Angeles Rams during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft — The Rams stunned the NFL by taking Simpson with the No. 13 pick

It was a stunning turn early in the night, with few expecting the Alabama prospect to come off the board in the top half of Round 1.

What made it even more unbelievable, is the fact Los Angeles has reigning MVP Matthew Stafford on their roster.

The 38-year-old veteran guided his team to the NFC Championship game in 2025, and was the best quarterback in the NFL, throwing 4,707 yards, 46 touchdowns and just eight interceptions in his 17th year.

After a tough postseason defeat to the eventual Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, Stafford quickly confirmed his return for 2026, with a stacked Rams roster tipped to go all the way and lift the Lombardi Trophy this time around.

The decision to draft Simpson so high, then, was a shocker.

Sean McVay initially appeared unimpressed as the move was announced in April, but has since clarified he’s ‘thrilled’ to have a rookie in his quarterback room.

So too, apparently, is Stafford.

Matthew Stafford breaks silence on Ty Simpson draft pick

As the Rams returned for Organized Team Activities (OTAs) this week, the MVP was asked about Simpson’s arrival.

“I’m in there with him in the meeting room, on the practice field, trying to share as much knowledge as I can,” he revealed.

“I was a big fan of Ty when he was playing at Alabama.”

Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams stands on the field after an NFL divisional playoff game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field — Stafford has insisted he is keen to mentor the new rookie in his QB room

Ty Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide warms up before their game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium on October 25, 2025 — Stafford sent Simpson a text message after the draft decision was made

Stafford was apparently watching college ball quite closely, and revealed he sent a post-draft text to Simpson after the QB led Alabama to a win over his alma mater, Georgia, in 2025.

That game, back in September, was the first time the Bulldogs had lost at home in six years.

“I sent him a text after he got drafted and said, ‘Really enjoyed watching you play, just that you were in the wrong jersey,'” Stafford added.

“I did enjoy watching him play. He’s a talented kid.

“I’m going to do everything I can to get this team ready to play, to win, but at the same time share some of the knowledge that I’ve gained throughout my career.

“Because I wouldn’t be in the seat I am now, after a really good football season, if I didn’t have people helping me out along the way, so I’m happy to do that.

Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams and the AP NFL Most Valuable Player looks on during the 15th Annual NFL Honors at the Palace Of Fine Arts on February 05, 2026 — Stafford is the reigning NFL MVP and is eyeing Super Bowl glory

“He’s been a sponge. He’s looking to get better.”

Ty Simpson tuning out draft noise ahead of rookie season

Not only is he getting off on the right foot with Stafford, Simpson also isn’t letting the noise around his draft position get in the way of his work.

“I really didn’t care, to be honest with you,” he told Sports Illustrated at the NFLPA Rookie Premiere.

“Everybody can have an opinion, but it’s my job to take care of my business.

Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson reacts as he puts on a hat after being chosen 13th overall by the Los Angeles Rams in the tunnel during the the first round NFL football draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026 — Simpson is ignoring the talk around his draft position and wants to get to work in LA

“The Rams took me with the 13th overall pick, so now it’s my job to be the best player I can be, the best Ty I can be, and go out there and prove them right.

“I don’t really listen to all that. My job is to make sure to do whatever my team needs me to do to win and that’s what I’m going to do.”

Simpson, undoubtedly, will sit behind Stafford in 2026 as the Rams go for Super Bowl glory.

But the veteran signal caller won’t be around forever, and Los Angeles will one day look to their rookie to pick up the baton.

If all goes to plan, what’s seen as a shock first-round selection could soon be described as a true master stroke.

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