Rams informed Matthew Stafford of decision to select Ty Simpson ahead of time, per report
By David Wasson
Published:
The Los Angeles Rams might have shocked much of the NFL cognoscenti Thursday night with their selection of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson at No. 13 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, but the team made a point not to have it be a surprise to their future Hall of Fame QB1.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported after the Simpson pick that he was the player they had zeroed in throughout the pre-draft process as a potential long-term replacement for 2025 NFL Most Valuable Player and Super Bowl LVI quarterback Matthew Stafford.
“They were so convinced of their decision that earlier today they called their veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford and told him they planned to take Ty Simpson at 13,” Schefter said.
Schefter went on to point out that the Rams got the pick from the Atlanta Falcons, who made waves when they selected former Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in 2024 without informing Kirk Cousins beforehand of the move – even though the Falcons had spent big to acquire Cousins months before via free agency.
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Simpson spent four seasons at Alabama, ultimately emerging as the starter in 2025. He ended up throwing for 3,567 yards with 28 touchdowns and five interceptions. After the Crimson Tide lost their season opener to Florida State, they won eight in a row before going 3-3 down the stretch, ultimately losing to Indiana in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl.
An APSE national award-winning writer and editor, David Wasson has almost four decades of experience in the print journalism business in Florida and Alabama. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and several national magazines and websites. His Twitter handle: @JustDWasson.
