Rams Reportedly Interested in Alabama QB Ty Simpson

Los Angeles holds two first-round picks and could target the young QB prospect.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Los Angeles Rams are reportedly interested in drafting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with one of their two first-round picks in the upcoming NFL Draft. Simpson, a highly touted prospect, could be an ideal fit to eventually replace veteran QB Matthew Stafford in Sean McVay's offense.

Why it matters

The Rams are in win-now mode but also need to plan for the future at quarterback. Drafting Simpson would allow him to learn behind Stafford for a year or two before potentially taking over the starting job.

The details

According to ESPN's Louis Riddick, the Rams "like Ty Simpson" and see his skillset and makeup as a good fit for their offense. Simpson is coming off a strong season at Alabama and is projected to be a first-round pick. The Rams hold the 13th and 29th overall selections in the draft, so they'll have to decide if Simpson is worth taking with one of those picks.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April.

The players

Ty Simpson

A highly touted quarterback prospect from the University of Alabama who is expected to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Matthew Stafford

The veteran quarterback of the Los Angeles Rams who is nearing the end of his career.

Sean McVay

The head coach of the Los Angeles Rams, known for his innovative offensive mind.

Louis Riddick

An ESPN analyst and former NFL player and executive who reported the Rams' interest in Ty Simpson.

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What they’re saying

“I know personally [the Rams] like Ty Simpson. When you look at his skillset and you think about his makeup, that's exactly what they're looking for.”

— Louis Riddick, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)

What’s next

The Rams will have to weigh their options and decide if drafting Ty Simpson is the right move for their team, either with the 13th or 29th overall pick.

The takeaway

The Rams' reported interest in Ty Simpson highlights their need to plan for the future at quarterback, even as they remain in win-now mode. Drafting Simpson could be a savvy long-term move, allowing him to learn behind Matthew Stafford before potentially taking over the starting job.