The Los Angeles Rams had an interesting offseason at quarterback. They used their first selection on Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. Usually, that signals the beginning of the end for the veteran starter.
Not this time.
Matthew Stafford signed an extension through 2027, meaning Simpson is likely headed for two years of development if everything goes according to plan. In today’s NFL, that approach feels almost old-fashioned. For the Rams, though, it makes perfect sense.
Here’s why L.A. is right to ride with Stafford and let Simpson develop patiently.
The Rams Are Trying to Win Right Now
Los Angeles came one score short of beating Seattle in the NFC Championship Game. That matchup essentially decided the Super Bowl, as the Seahawks later rolled past New England for the Lombardi Trophy.
The Rams know they are close.
That urgency explains why they dealt their original first-round pick to Kansas City. The Chiefs were willing to move cornerback Trent McDuffie, whom L.A. believed could help slow Seattle’s dangerous receiving corps.
Maybe the Rams sacrificed part of their future, but the present is the priority right now. And at this stage, Stafford clearly gives them the best chance to win another title.
Simpson remains a long-term investment. Stafford is the proven answer.
As long as he can operate at this level, he should remain under center.
Stafford Understands His Situation
Veteran quarterbacks know when they are surrounded by the right pieces, and Stafford certainly has that in the City of Angels. He captured NFL MVP honors last season largely because of the talent surrounding him.
The Rams give him every opportunity to thrive while his arm strength and instincts remain elite. Stafford will turn 39 during the playoffs, but his pocket awareness and field vision should allow him to continue succeeding deep into his late 30s.
He also benefits from one of the league’s strongest receiving groups. Few quarterbacks have this many reliable targets available every week.
If Stafford spends two more years here, he will continue operating in one of the NFL’s most favorable situations.
Sean McVay Needs the Right Quarterback
Jared Goff’s career says plenty about how important quarterback compatibility can be.
McVay and Goff never fully clicked, ultimately leading to the Stafford trade. Goff later developed into a franchise quarterback in Detroit, which suggests McVay’s coaching style simply does not work equally well for every passer.
McVay is widely viewed as one of football’s brightest offensive minds, but his demanding approach is not necessarily easy for everyone to handle. He inherited Goff and quickly realized the partnership was never ideal.
Stafford, meanwhile, has worked seamlessly within McVay’s offense. The Rams have posted winning records in four of the last five seasons largely because the two complement each other so effectively.
Now Los Angeles hopes Simpson is capable of eventually following that path.
Two years behind Stafford should give the Rams enough time to determine whether Simpson can successfully handle McVay’s system long term. If he does, Los Angeles potentially has its next starter already in place. If not, the organization can pivot elsewhere.
Either outcome works for the Rams.
Simpson Remains a Long-Term Project
The Rams selecting Simpson raised eyebrows because many believed he would still be available in the second round. Los Angeles clearly disagreed and grabbed him at No. 13 overall.
That reflects how highly the organization thinks of him, but it does not change the reality that Simpson is incredibly raw.
He needs time.
Fortunately for the Rams, they are not depending on immediate production from him because Stafford continues performing at an elite level.
With the extension now complete, pressure eases for both Simpson and the organization. Los Angeles can focus entirely on development without forcing him onto the field too early.
If everything unfolds properly, Simpson could step into the starting role by 2028 without major setbacks.
In the modern NFL, that kind of patience would be rare.
It will take plenty for this plan to succeed. But extending Stafford gives the Rams a realistic chance to pull it off.
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