Matthew Stafford Makes Feelings Clear On Ty Simpson During Rams OTAs
With Matthew Stafford coming off the first MVP season of his career in 2025, the Los Angeles Rams surprised many when they drafted his apparent successor in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting former Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson No. 13 overall.
The decision drew a "stoic" reaction from head coach Sean McVay, and while he later clarified that his response stemmed from the unique situation and his respect for Stafford, Los Angeles quickly moved to reassure the veteran by agreeing to a revised one-year, $55 million contract that keeps him with the Rams through the 2027 season.
And just as McVay expressed excitement about developing Simpson, Stafford echoed a similar sentiment as the Rams OTAs got underway.
Appearing on "The Pat McAfee Show" on Wednesday, Stafford confirmed he had "absolutely" been in contact with the rookie and revealed he was a fan of Simpson during his time at Alabama.
"I'm in there with him in the meeting room, on the practice field, trying to share as much knowledge as I can. Listen, I was a big fan of Ty when he was playing at Alabama. I sent him a text after he was drafted and said, ‘Really enjoyed watching you play, you were just wearing the wrong jersey,'" Stafford said, referencing the fact that he and Stetson Bennett IV both played at Georgia.
"I did enjoy watching him play," he added. "I'm going to do whatever I can to get this team ready to play and win, but at the same time share some of the knowledge that I've gained throughout my career because I wouldn't be in this seat right now talking to you guys after a really good football season if I didn't have people helping me along the way too. So I'm happy to do that. He's been a sponge."
Simpson enters the NFL with only one year of starting experience and was widely considered a developmental prospect. Most projections had him going late in the first round or early on Day 2 before the Rams selected him 13th overall, potentially securing their future at quarterback once Stafford eventually retires.
With the 38-year-old under contract through 2027, Stafford has shown no indication that retirement is imminent. However, he declined to offer a specific timeline during the interview, saying, "Those conversations are family things," while adding that he plans to keep playing as long as he feels good.
Things could certainly change if the Rams endure a disappointing 2026 season, especially with Stafford's $50 million salary for 2027 not becoming fully guaranteed until March.
For now, though, all signs point to Simpson waiting a while before becoming the starter. That could ultimately benefit the rookie, giving him valuable time to learn behind a future Hall of Famer before eventually taking over, much like Jordan Love did in Green Bay after spending three seasons behind four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers.
Related: Ty Simpson's Comments About Matthew Stafford Resurface After Rams' Decision
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This story was originally published May 28, 2026 at 8:03 AM.