The Rams have wrapped up an impressive offseason by finalizing a contract extension with Matthew Stafford.
With the arrivals of Trent McDuffie and Jalen Watson, what was once a cornerback weakness has become a strong point. Strengthening their bond with Stafford not only bolsters the team’s chances for another Super Bowl but also keeps him around through the 2027 season.
Retaining the 38-year-old reigning MVP is crucial; he’s central to the team’s strategy.
But it raises a question: If they intended to extend Stafford’s contract all along, why on earth did they draft Ty Simpson at 13th overall in the recent NFL Draft?
What’s the plan for Simpson, given that he might not see the field in a significant role for another couple of years?
Surprisingly, the reasoning isn’t as convoluted as it may seem. Especially if you consider the perspective of Rams general manager Les Snead and coach Sean McVay, who led a detailed and private evaluation process for Simpson.
They limited their decision-making team to only a few trusted Rams evaluators, wanting to avoid any leaks that could draw attention from other teams and potentially sabotage their chances.
Based on their evaluations, they believed they had identified a quarterback capable of excelling at the highest level—someone whose skill set would mesh seamlessly with McVay’s offense.
It might shock some to realize this kind of assessment isn’t common. But it’s even less common to actually find a quarterback in whom you genuinely believe.
But what truly sets the Rams apart?
Having a solid, well-rounded roster allows them the luxury of using a premium pick on a promising quarterback prospect while also investing the necessary time for his development.
Instead of prematurely thrusting him into action due to pressing needs.
This advantageous positioning was crafted by Snead’s insightful maneuvering in the 2025 NFL Draft, along with the excellent drafts he has conducted over time.
Drafting someone they regarded as a franchise-level quarterback not only gives them a solid prospect but also addresses the looming concern of how to manage Stafford’s eventual retirement.
Viewing the situation through Snead, McVay, and the Rams’ lens is critical. They recognized that others might view the decision to use the 13th pick on a quarterback who might sit for two years as a complex move for a team vying for immediate wins.
This perspective shifted their approach from weakness to strength.
With McDuffie’s trade and Watson’s signing, they’ve effectively strengthened their only weak spot, transforming a roster that’s Super Bowl-ready into one that might be the most formidable in the league. Whomever they selected at No. 13 would likely face tough competition to enter the field this season.
With no urgent holes to fill, they could be creative with their first-round pick.
This is what every team hopes to achieve during the draft.
Ruben Bain is a promising young talent. However, the well-stocked defensive line would likely have relegated him to a rotational role during his initial years in LA.
As for Makai Lemon from USC, despite his talent, finding a spot in an offense expected to lead the league in scoring won’t be easy.
This isn’t to undermine their abilities, but the immediate impact they could offer doesn’t match what a top-tier quarterback would mean for the Rams once Stafford retires.
The Rams seized the chance to draft someone they believe could eventually fill Stafford’s shoes. Who knows when that opportunity will present itself again? It would have been somewhat reckless not to choose Simpson when no pressing roster needs existed.
People might question their evaluation, and that’s fair. Still, if you were faced with a similar scenario and were confident about a young quarterback, passing on that chance would seem negligent.
For Simpson, this doesn’t change much. He’s always known he’d need a year or two before stepping onto the field—something he’s somewhat accustomed to, given he sat behind a future NFL quarterback at Alabama before starting last season.
Being the son of a Division I college football coach has certainly equipped him for this journey.
And time spent isn’t wasted. He gets to learn from McVay, recognized as one of the brilliant offensive minds in the NFL. Just look at Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield; their time under McVay has revitalized their careers, even if they played behind the scenes.
Both quarterbacks found success after learning from specialized coaches, undergoing a transformation in their gameplay. Darnold, despite limited action in San Francisco, evolved significantly after time spent with Shanahan, showing how impactful great coaching can be.
Simpson can expect similar growth in Los Angeles. He’ll be observing Stafford constantly, from film sessions to practices.
With the Rams gearing up for a management phase with Stafford, it’s likely he’ll get ample first-team reps during training camp and regular practices.
Now, he’s embarking on a two-year quarterback learning journey. Yet, even if the Rams clinch the Super Bowl this season, who’s to say Stafford won’t retire right after?
Whether it’s 2027 or 2028, the Rams seem optimistic about having a succession plan ready following Stafford’s departure. While certainty isn’t guaranteed, it offers a level of comfort that can make sleeping easier for fans.
Ultimately, the Rams can focus on utilizing their resources to continue enhancing their roster, much like any other NFL team.
