Rams QB Matthew Stafford Addresses Ty Simpson Pick

The Rams’ decision to select quarterback Ty Simpson with the No. 13 overall in this year’s draft rather than pursue immediate help for a team with the reigning MVP under center and an open competitive window was one of the biggest surprises of the event. Post-draft reporting indicated head coach Sean McVay and GM Les Snead were in agreement on the pick, and Matthew Stafford has done his part to avoid fanning the flames of controversy.

In a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show (video link via ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler), Stafford said he is “trying to share as much knowledge as I can” with his new protege. 

“Listen, I was a big fan of Ty when he was playing at Alabama. … I sent him a text after he got drafted and said, ‘I really enjoyed watching you play, just you were in the wrong jersey,'” Stafford remarked, referring to the rivalry between his and Simpson’s alma maters. “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 that I am right now … if I didn’t have people helping me out along the way too. So I’m happy to do that, but he has been a sponge, he’s looking to get better.”

When addressing the media after he inked a new deal that will tie him to the Rams through at least the 2027 season, Stafford echoed those sentiments.

“I think my job, first and foremost, is to get myself and our team ready to play as best I possibly can,” the 38-year-old said (via Grant Gordon of NFL.com). “[Simpson is] a part of that team, there’s no question about it. We’re in a unique position in the fact that we play the same position. I have a ton of experience, and he’s just now starting his journey as an NFL player. So, listen, I know he’s gonna watch, not only me, but other guys, you know?”

McVay did call Stafford before the draft to tell him the team may select Simpson, a courtesy the Falcons did not extend to Kirk Cousins before they chose Michael Penix Jr. in 2024. Stafford did not disclose the details of his conversation with his HC, but he did express gratitude for the heads up.

“I’m not gonna get into much of what our conversation was,” he said. “I appreciate him talking with me about those kind of things. We have constant dialogue and a great relationship, so I appreciate that. I understand where the team’s coming from. Listen, I’m not 25 years old, and I get that. So, we’re doing everything we can to be as good a football team as we can for now, for the future, for all of it.”

Speaking specifically about his contract extension, Stafford said he is pleased to have wrapped up the negotiations.

“Happy to have next year taken care of if I decide to play and they still want me back,” he said (via ESPN’s Lindsey Thiry). “But just excited to get that behind me because I just want to come out here and play and not think about that kind of stuff.”