Stafford had hinted at retirement during his MVP acceptance speech but subsequently announced he would return for a sixth season with the Rams. Simpson will likely serve as either the backup or QB3, depending on how training camp unfolds against Stetson Bennett.
Ahead of the draft, the Rams were reportedly exploring options to add a Super Bowl-winning backup. One insider notes the team was interested in a veteran quarterback who could provide championship experience alongside Stafford.
ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler reported that the Rams actively pursued free-agent quarterback Joe Flacco during the offseason, viewing him as a potential short-term solution if other plans fell through. Flacco ultimately remained with Cincinnati on a one-year deal.
The draft pick of Simpson came as a surprise to some, given Stafford’s presence and the likelihood the team would address the quarterback room later in the process. Rams officials indicated they viewed Simpson as a long-term successor to Stafford.
Simpson spoke positively about joining the Rams, praising the opportunity to learn from offensive minds and Stafford’s legacy. He acknowledged that earning the backup role would require outperforming Stetson Bennett during training camp.
In his rookie year, Simpson will still need to prove himself to move up the depth chart. The Rams will evaluate him in competition for the backup spot, with Bennett’s familiarity with the system offering him an early edge.
