The Los Angeles Rams did not wait around for uncertainty to creep in. By selecting quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick, they signaled a clear plan for life after Matthew Stafford while still backing their present. The move raised a simple question across the league. How long will Stafford keep going? At 38, with a long injury history, the timeline matters. Yet the early signs suggest the Rams are not preparing for an immediate handover. They are trying to balance both windows at once. Meanwhile, Kelly Stafford sent an interesting text to Simpson following his draft selection.
Why did the Rams draft Ty Simpson if this is still Matthew Stafford’s team?
The pick might look like a succession plan, but inside the building, the message is far less dramatic. Sean McVay made that clear within hours of the selection. “There were a lot of players that we liked, but when you do look at it, I think the thing you liked about the body of work is … let’s make one thing clear, this is Matthew’s team,” McVay told reporters Thursday night. “You get a chance to be able to address the backup quarterback.“That framing matters. Simpson arrives after a strong final season at Alabama, where he completed 64.5 percent of his passes for 3,567 yards, with 28 touchdowns and just five interceptions. The tools are there, and the upside is real. But the Rams are not rushing him. They see value in patience, in letting him learn behind a veteran who is still producing at an elite level.Interestingly, the first welcome Simpson received was from Kelly Stafford and did not come from the quarterback himself. “Kelly has actually texted me on Instagram and welcomed me and told me to hit her up if we need anything,” Simpson said. “But I can’t wait to talk to Matthew. I’m super ecstatic because I just want to pick his brain.” It was a small moment, but it hinted at the environment Simpson is stepping into. Supportive, but clearly defined.
How long will Matthew Stafford keep playing in Los Angeles?
For now, there is no rush toward an ending. Stafford is coming off an MVP-caliber season, throwing for 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns. Those are not numbers of a quarterback fading into the background. If anything, they strengthen his case to keep going.League insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Rams are in deep discussions on a contract extension that would cover next season and potentially stretch beyond 2026. That aligns with how the team is operating. They are not closing a chapter. They are extending it while quietly preparing the next one.There is still a natural question hanging over it all. If the Rams reach another Super Bowl and win, would that change things? It might. For a veteran with nothing left to prove, that kind of ending carries weight. Until then, the signals are clear. Stafford is not done yet, and the Rams are willing to ride that as far as it goes.
