Les Snead addresses Sean McVay narrative about Rams selecting Ty Simpson in NFL Draft

The reaction of head coach Sean McVay and a detailed report could lead one to believe that Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead decided to make Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson the 13th overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, regardless of what McVay and Los Angeles QB1 Matthew Stafford thought about that call. 

During a Friday appearance on 710 AM ESPN Los Angeles, Snead was understandably asked how McVay and Stafford feel about the Simpson pick that has generated discussions on numerous national sports-talk programs. 

Rams have no Matthew Stafford timeline in mind after drafting Ty Simpson

"I think Sean had a chat with Matthew before last night," Snead explained, per Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk. "And that’s one thing that Matthew’s definitely earned. It’s one of the things that we’re working together to go through it. Matthew is on his way to, I would say this, a Hall of Fame career, right? And he still has gas left in the tank. And big picture, our vision’s always been, hey, let’s make the most of this time with Matthew and his teammates — let’s chase special together, however long that may [last]. I mentioned at the beginning of the segment. There’s no timeline on this. The longer, the better. Matthew just came off an MVP season, so if he continues playing, it’s like, this is better for everyone involved."

According to insider Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, Snead basically began courting Simpson over a month before Stafford publicly confirmed that he would return to the Rams for at least one more season. Recent reports have indicated that Stafford could soon sign a contract extension, but it remains unclear how long the 38-year-old wants to remain an active player.

Les Snead, Sean McVay "in lockstep" regarding Ty Simpson draft decision? 

Before the 2026 draft got underway, analysts predicted that a Rams team with a win-now roster would use the 13th pick of the draft to grab a talent who could start in Week 1 this coming September. On Friday, Snead suggested that McVay had a role in the Rams' drafting of Simpson. 

"I think at the end of the day, Sean and I are going to always work together in these types of decisions," Snead added. "... But there was a lot that was going on into maneuvering that draft. So, we’re in lockstep. We work together. We’re collaborative. It’s him and I partnering to try to do the best for the Rams."

That's all well and good, but such comments won't stop some from wondering what McVay will and/or won't say about the subject the next time he has to speak with media members about a player selected by the Rams in this year's draft.