The Los Angeles Rams drafted Ty Simpson with the 13th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday, shocking many in the NFL world. The Rams’ offense is led by Matthew Stafford, the reigning NFL MVP, who had a thrilling season that culminated in the NFC Championship against the eventual Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.
“The Rams called both Matthew Stafford and Stetson Bennett the afternoon of the draft…
To let them know that they were planning on taking Ty Simpson and the Rams handled it the right way”@AdamSchefter #PMSLive https://t.co/HUfp3HEUrr pic.twitter.com/Bf2pJUBFjL
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 27, 2026
Many believe that Simpson’s selection would be awkward for Stafford, who is clearly towards the end of his NFL career but is still playing at the top of his game. But per Adam Schefter’s comments on The Pat McAfee Show, Stafford and Stenson Bennett were aware of Simpson’s selection, so they both weren’t blindsided.
“The Rams that afternoon called both Matthew Stafford and Stetson Bennett to let them know, ’Hey, just want to give you a heads up they are planning and intending to take Ty Simpson tonight.’ That was in the afternoon. So they were given a heads up in advance, they handled it the right way. There’s not simple way of doing it, but the Rams handled it about as well as you could.”
According to Simpson, Matthew Stafford’s wife, Kelly Stafford, reached out to him on Instagram to welcome him to the team.
“Kelly has actually texted me on Instagram,” he said. “Welcomed me and told me to hit her up with my family if we ever need anything.”
Simpson took the helm of the Alabama offense following Jalen Milroe’s graduation from the program. He finished the 2025 season throwing for 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns with only 5 interceptions, while also rushing for 93 yards on 90 attempts and 2 touchdowns. Alabama went 11-4 and made the College Football Playoff, but ultimately lost to the eventual college football champion, the Indiana Hoosiers, 38-3 in the 2026 Rose Bowl.
Whether he will be the heir apparent to Stafford once his time with the Rams has concluded is up in the air. But, the QB room for Los Angeles will certainly see intrigue as the season nears.
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