In the wake of Matthew Stafford’s decision to return for the 2026 season, the Los Angeles Rams are not resting on their laurels. With an eye toward the future, the team reportedly views Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson as a prime candidate to succeed Stafford when the time comes, according to Louis Riddick and other analysts. The Rams hold the 13th and 29th picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, placing them in a position to pursue a developmental quarterback if Simpson remains available.
Analysts have suggested the Rams could pursue a trade-up to secure a young talent, should the opportunity arise. ESPN’s Aaron Schatz indicated the team may be willing to move up to land a quarterback, leveraging two first-round selections to draft a high-ceiling prospect for the post-Stafford era. Simpson is viewed by some evaluators as a boom-or-bust prospect, with projections placing him behind a top quarterback in the class but potentially rising as a future starter.
Simpson’s college trajectory has boosted his profile. After a reserved early period at Alabama, he broke out in 2025, posting 3,567 passing yards and 28 touchdowns while earning Second-Team All-SEC honors. He also set Alabama records for consecutive completions in a game and tied SEC marks for completions without an incompletion. With the 2026 draft cycle not rich in immediate quarterback certainty, Simpson’s stock continues to trend upward as teams weigh their long-term options.
If the Rams do target Simpson, he would have the opportunity to learn behind a proven MVP-caliber veteran under head coach Sean McVay, while the franchise balances an immediate need with a sustainable quarterback development plan. Stafford’s 2025 season culminated in 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns, reinforcing the team’s readiness to position a successor in the near term.
Ty Simpson’s Alabama journey underscores his potential fit for the Rams’ long-range strategy. A product of Westview High School in Tennessee, Simpson emerged as a refined pocket passer with strong processing skills and calm footwork. His breakout 2025 campaign, capped by historic single-game and streak performances, has positioned him as a notable option for teams prioritizing quarterback development.
The Rams’ current draft posture and Stafford’s continued availability will shape their approach. With two first-round picks and a need at the quarterback position, Los Angeles remains a candidate to draft or trade for a young signal-caller who can grow behind Stafford or sooner call his own number if the retirement decision evolves. The evolving narrative around Ty Simpson continues to place him at the center of the Rams’ quarterback conversation for the near term.
