How Rams-Chiefs Trent McDuffie trade impacted Ty Simpson

With Matthew Stafford being 38-years-old, the Los Angeles Rams know they need to find his replacement sooner rather than later. However, the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft may not be where the Rams find their future.

It could’ve been had Los Angeles held onto their No. 29 overall pick. But since the team dealt the selection to the Kansas City Chiefs for cornerback Trent McDuffie, the chances of Simpson going in the first round have dropped, via Adam Schefter of ESPN.

“When the Rams sent the No. 29 pick to the Chiefs in a deal for cornerback Trent McDuffie, it had one unintended consequence that some might not have realized: It hurt the chances that quarterback Ty Simpson would be a first-round pick,” Schefter wrote.

“League sources say the Rams had been eyeing him, but more so with the No. 29 pick than No. 13, which they still hold,” he continued. “Had the Rams not traded for McDuffie and held onto No. 29, sources say that Simpson would have been square in the conversation to land in Los Angeles behind Matthew Stafford.”

Of course, the Rams aren’t/weren’t the only team to have interest in Simpson. There’s still a chance he hears his name called in the first round. But at least in terms of landing in Los Angeles, that seems off of the table barring an unforeseen trade.

With the Rams, Simpson would’ve had an opportunity to sit and learn behind Stafford. The soon to be rookie started just 15 games at the collegiate level, meaning some extra time learning the ropes may be necessary.

What team decides to give Simpson his first NFL opportunity is yet to be seen. But at least one landing spot in the first round has been wiped away.