Rams Predicted to Draft Eventual Matthew Stafford Replacement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jaron Spor | Last updated Mar 2, 2026 6:43 PM ET

The Los Angeles Rams had a solid regular season but fell short of another Super Bowl appearance.

The Rams finished the season with a 12-5 record but lost 31-27 to the eventual Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game. Nevertheless, that does not diminish the impressive season that quarterback Matthew Stafford had.

He passed for 4,707 yards, threw 46 touchdowns and had eight interceptions, while completing 65% of his passes. He also won his first MVP trophy. However, it is important to note that Stafford is an aging quarterback with a history of back problems.

The 38-year-old has announced that he will return for the next season; however, the Rams also need to start preparing for the future without him. Therefore, CBS Sports' Ryan Wilson has them selecting Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) throws a pass.Brett Davis-Imagn Images

"Some Rams fans may not love the idea of taking Simpson, but I can't say it loudly enough: fit matters," Wilson wrote. "And if Matthew Stafford plays another year -- or two -- Simpson has the game to flourish in Sean McVay's offense."

The former Alabama Crimson Tide signal-caller brings an efficient, timing-based skill set that projects well into McVay’s system. In his final collegiate season, Simpson threw for 3,567 yards with 28 touchdowns against just five interceptions while completing 64.5% of his passes. He also added mobility outside the pocket, extending plays and contributing as a situational runner.

Simpson is widely viewed as a late first-round to early second-round prospect in the 2026 class, a developmental quarterback with starter upside. For the Rams, that profile makes sense. He wouldn’t be forced into immediate action but could spend a year (or two) refining his mechanics and absorbing the offense behind Stafford. If developed properly, Simpson could offer Los Angeles a seamless transition at the game’s most important position while keeping its championship window open.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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