How Ty Simpson & Matthew Stafford can co-exist amid extension news
Even with Matthew Stafford’s contract extension, the Rams still need Ty Simpson
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 26: Ty Simpson of the Alabama Crimson Tide poses on the NFL Network set during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on February 26, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) | Getty Images Matthew Stafford is now under contract with the Los Angeles Rams through the 2027 season . The veteran inked a one-year extension that will pay him up to $105M over the next two years.
The Rams still need Ty Simpson, who they drafted with the 13th overall selection in last month’s NFL Draft. Even with Stafford secured for another season, the long-term succession plan remains unchanged. At a minimum Simpson should be a more capable and affordable backup option than Jimmy Garoppolo, who is contemplating retirement.
Simpson brings an element of mobility that the offense has lacked for nearly Sean McVay’s entire tenure as play caller. The Rams will hand the keys over to Simpson when he is ready. They drafted him to be the future franchise quarterback and one day he will get his opportunity.
And said opportunity could come far earlier than most realize. On average across the 2021 through 2025 seasons, only 11 quarterbacks start all 17 games. Stafford is no spring chicken at age 38 and missed the entirety of training camp last year with a nagging back injury.