Rams Extend Matthew Stafford While Drafting Rookie Quarterback Ty Simpson

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford stated he is fine with mentoring rookie quarterback Ty Simpson heading into the 2026 season. Stafford said he hopes Simpson comes away viewing him as someone who treated him the right way and showed what it means to be a true professional. He added that he is available if Simpson needs help.

"I’m here for him if he needs help," Stafford said. "My number-one job — I’ve said this 100 times — is to get our team and myself as ready to play as possible. " Stafford also emphasized enjoying the game.

"Love playing the game — you see me mic’d up, I’m running around like crazy, doing all sorts of wild s---, and have fun with the game because it’s a kids’ game," he said. The Rams selected Simpson with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Los Angeles later signed Stafford to a contract extension that could keep him as the starting quarterback through at least the start of the 2027 season.

Stafford will turn 39 in February 2027. A recent report indicated the Rams could keep Simpson on the roster as their third-string quarterback in September 2026. Stafford said he hopes Simpson can look back in 15 or 20 years and say he enjoyed his time with him and learned a lot.