The Los Angeles Rams pulled a real head-scratcher in the 2026 NFL Draft, snatching up Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the No. 13 overall pick in the first round. Seriously, instead of grabbing a top offensive lineman or a game-changing playmaker like Kenyon Sadiq, KC Concepcion, or Makai Lemon, they went for a backup QB. Here’s the truly wild part: with the 2026 season literally about to kick off, the Rams are actually *hoping* Simpson never sees the field. ESPN’s Dan Graziano dropped the truth bomb, making it clear the Rams are praying Simpson stays on the bench because if he plays, it means everything they’ve planned has gone completely sideways. Talk about a confusing signal for a rookie!
Why Matthew Stafford’s Health Is Everything
Graziano laid it out plain as day: “The Rams hope they don’t even have to think about using him this season, because that would mean something happened to reigning MVP Matthew Stafford.” Just chew on that for a second. They invested a first-round pick in this kid, and their biggest wish is for him to ride the pine for the entire year. Sure, Simpson apparently looked good during the 2026 preseason, and there’s definitely some long-term optimism about his future, but seeing him out there this year would be an absolute nightmare scenario. We’re talking about Matthew Stafford, the reigning MVP, a guy who’s likely a future Hall of Famer, heading into what the Rams see as an “all-in” season. If he gets hurt and misses any significant time, whether it’s just one week or a stretch of them, it’s nothing but bad news for the Rams’ entire season. Losing your MVP in an all-in year? That’s disaster, pure and simple, regardless of how well Simpson might perform if forced into action. It just means their entire foundation crumbled.
The Only Scenario Where Simpson Plays
So, is there ANY universe where this first-round pick gets a start without it being a catastrophic sign for the franchise? Graziano says there’s only one specific scenario. If the Rams completely lock up their division and have their playoff seeding absolutely secured by the end of the regular season, *then* and only then, they might roll Simpson out for Week 18. This would be a smart move to let him get some experience on the big stage while the main starters rest up and get fresh for the playoffs. But every other situation where Simpson is lining up under center in 2026? A complete and utter disaster, according to the reporting. Even if he steps in and balls out, somehow getting them to the playoffs, the very cost of losing Stafford for that to happen would make it a disastrous season overall. Rams fans, if you’re smart, you’ll be echoing the team’s hope: keep Simpson off the field.
The 2026 season is about to kick off with the Rams holding their collective breath. Their hopes for success, and avoiding a total meltdown, ride entirely on Matthew Stafford staying healthy and on the field. They’re an “all-in” squad, and the first-round pick they just made is essentially a very expensive insurance policy they’re praying they never have to cash in. It’s all about Stafford delivering the goods; if he falters, this “all-in” season could unravel fast, and it won’t matter what Ty Simpson does from there. The stakes couldn’t be higher.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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