Matthew Stafford on 'unique position' with Ty Simpson, new Rams contract
· Yahoo Sports
Woodland Hills, CA – After a newly signed extension along with a renewed commitment from the Los Angeles Rams, veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford is fine with the team’s decision to draft Alabama star Ty Simpson.
“I obviously have a ton of respect for our team and our organization. Happy to have next year taken care of if I decide to play, and they still want me back,” a smiling Stafford said Thursday, May 29, at Rams Organized Team Activities session. “But just excited to get that behind me. I just want to come out here and play and not think about that kind of stuff. Great to get that done sooner rather than later.”
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Stafford went on to say he's happy to share his knowledge with Simpson as the rookie transitions to the NFL.
"We're in a unique position in the fact that we play the same position. I have a ton of experience, and he's just now starting his journey as an NFL player," Stafford said. "I know he's going to watch, not only me but other guys – Stetson (Bennett) has been around a little bit too – and really just soak up as much coaching as he possibly can.
"He's a guy that asks questions. I've been trying to answer those as honestly and as thoroughly as I possibly can. He's a smart kid, he's got talent, obviously, he's a high draft pick. So happy to add good players to our team. He's one of them. But my job is to go out there and get myself and our team as ready to play as I possibly can."
The Rams used the No. 13 pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft to select Simpson. The pick came with a lot of scrutiny because LA could have drafted an offensive lineman, wide receiver or any player that could have helped what is viewed as a Super Bowl-caliber roster win now. Instead, the Rams pulled off the surprise of the first round and selected Stafford’s likely successor in Simpson.
Sean McVay’s body language during a post draft press conference exacerbated the situation. McVay’s since downplayed the demeanor he displayed after Simpson’s selection, saying that "normal life" got in the way and reiterated that it’s Stafford’s team but the club is “excited” to bring Simpson aboard.
Stafford turned 38 years old in February and is entering his 18th season, yet he’s coming off arguably his best year. He led the NFL with 4,707 passing yards and a career-high 46 touchdown passes last season – statistics that earned him his first MVP award.
The first-round pick of Simpson is acknowledgement that the Rams are preparing for life after Stafford. Simpson provides the Rams necessary insurance at quarterback because Stafford’s flirted with retirement the past two offseasons. As Stafford said Thursday, he hasn't ruled out the possibility of retiring at the end of this year, but his post-football plans are on hold for now.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Matthew Stafford on working with Ty Simpson, his new Rams contract