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Even at 38 years old, Matthew Stafford remains one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. In fact, he added another trophy to his collection in February, winning his first league MVP award.
Stafford edged out New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye after throwing a career-high 46 touchdowns. The 2026 season will be its 18th, and with nearly two decades in the league, the Rams appear focused on the future after Thursday night’s first round.
The Rams selected former Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the No. 13 pick, potentially positioning him as Stafford’s successor. The decision drew strong reactions and prompted a response from Kelly Stafford, the veteran quarterback’s wife.
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Ty Simpson of Alabama celebrates after being selected as the 13th overall pick by the Los Angeles Rams in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on April 23, 2026. (Émilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Simpson said Kelly Stafford welcomed him to the team with a message on social media.
“Kelly texted me on Instagram to welcome me and told me to contact her if we needed anything,” Simpson said during her introductory press conference. “But I can’t wait to talk to Matthew. I’m super excited because I just want to pick his brain.”
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Simpson was a full-time starter at Alabama, throwing for 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns in 2025.
Rams coach Sean McVay ended any speculation that Simpson would join the team to compete with Stafford for the starting job.
Matthew Stafford and his wife Kelly celebrate after the Los Angeles Rams defeated the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on January 30, 2022. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
“There were a lot of players that we liked, but when you look at it, I think what you liked about the whole body of work is… let’s be clear, this is Matthew’s team,” McVay told reporters Thursday night. “You’re lucky enough to be able to address the backup quarterback.”
Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams stands on the field before the NFC Championship Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington on January 25, 2026. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
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Simpson’s parents visited Rams general manager Les Snead during Alabama’s trip to the Los Angeles area for the Rose Bowl in January, the NFL Network reported. Simpson’s father, Jason Simpson, is the head football coach at UT Martin.
