Matthew Stafford Extension Makes Rams’ Ty Simpson Gamble Harder to Explain

The Los Angeles Rams shocked everybody when they used the No. 13 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. Not because Simpson lacked ability, though some argued he wasn’t a first-round talent, but because they already have reigning MVP Matthew Stafford.

Most draft projections had the Rams targeting immediate help at wide receiver, tight end, or along the offensive line. Instead, Sean McVay and Les Snead grabbed a quarterback for the future as they chase another Super Bowl with Stafford still in his prime. With Stafford now 38 years old, the long-term succession plan at least carried some logic.

Then came Thursday’s development. Stafford reportedly agreed to a one-year, $55 million extension with the Rams, a deal that keeps him under contract through 2027. Now, less than 24 hours later, Dan Patrick has unloaded on the Rams’ logic.

“Here’s Matthew Stafford, MVP, and you draft Ty Simpson in the first round,” Patrick said Friday. “If you think Matthew Stafford is going to play two more years, you don’t draft Ty Simpson. Unless you think he’s the next Drew Brees.