Sean McVay Shares Mixed Emotions After Drafting Ty Simpson

On Friday, Rams coach Sean McVay approached reporters with a smile, humorously questioning if he seemed mad. This came right before his press conference on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Friday’s tone was noticeably lighter compared to the previous day’s grumpiness, which arose after the Rams made a surprising choice with their No. 13 pick, selecting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. Ideally, Simpson will serve as a backup to Matthew Stafford and only see play in garbage time this season.

McVay acknowledged the mixed reactions he received, emphasizing that he and general manager Les Snead are aligned in their plans. “We’re excited about it,” he stated. He recognized the significance of their decisions, highlighting a collaborative approach amidst the excitement surrounding the draft.

Amid some scrutiny from reporters about his previous demeanor, he offered brief responses, diverging from the positivity typically exuded by him. Speculation arose that he was looking for an immediate impact player, though he reassured that it’s Stafford’s team at the moment.

“We liked a lot of players, but looking closer, there’s value in Ty’s body of work. He’ll add depth to our quarterback options,” McVay mentioned. He noted that they also have Stetson Bennett, emphasizing the importance of a strong backup.

McVay later attributed his earlier grumpiness to external pressures but also expressed that while he’s enthusiastic about Simpson, he remains respectful of Stafford’s role.

Drafting a successor for a prominent quarterback is tricky territory. Historical examples, like the Packers drafting Aaron Rodgers with Brett Favre still in play, come to mind. McVay recognized the nuances of how decisions like these can be perceived.

Stafford, who contemplated retirement in the past, committed to returning for the 2026 season, which is the last year of his contract. McVay reiterated that while they’re thrilled to have Ty on board, it remains Stafford’s team for now.

“Initially, I might have appeared stoic, but that’s not the case. We’re thrilled to add Ty. He’ll have an incredible opportunity to learn from Matthew in this setting,” McVay said. He reiterated the importance of the timing when it comes to Ty taking over, underscoring a need for clarity and respect regarding Stafford’s status.