Sean McVay had 'little argument' before Rams selected Ty Simpson in 2026 NFL Draft

The fact that Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay looked and sounded upset shortly after the Rams made Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson the 13th overall selection of the 2026 NFL Draft continues to cause some to wonder if McVay truly supported that decision. 

Chris Simms of Pro Football Talk recently spoke with McVay about what did and/or didn't happen on the night of April 23. During a Thursday appearance on the "Pro Football Talk Live" program, Simms discussed what he heard from McVay about the coach's reaction to the Simpson pick.

Sean McVay dealt with "some sort of volatile situation" before Rams drafted Ty Simpson

"The reason he, in the press conference, was p----- off had neither to do with him acting or the pick but had to do with some sort of volatile situation that happened before they went out there," Simms explained. "There was some little argument about something." 

McVay previously claimed that his initial reaction to the Simpson pick was "based on the respect" the coach has for starting quarterback and reigning Most Valuable Player Matthew Stafford. That said, it's fair to wonder if McVay and Stafford are at least a little annoyed that a win-now Rams team didn't spend a high-value draft pick on a player who would start at a premium position as soon as this coming September. 

Since the opening night of the draft wrapped up, numerous reports have insisted that McVay and Rams general manager Les Snead believe Simpson can eventually become a long-term replacement for Stafford. It has also been said that McVay "has final say on all matters regarding the Rams' football operations" and "was always comfortable with the pick." 

Sean McVay argument was nothing "major"

"He assured me it was nothing, like, major, but he was a little peed off right there at that moment. That’s what he told me," Simms added about his conversation with McVay. "I don’t think he’d have any problem with me sharing that."

What's done is done, and Stafford will now find himself sharing the Rams' quarterback room with Simpson later this year. It remains to be seen how much longer Stafford, who is expected to soon sign an adjusted contract or an extension, will play before he rides into the sunset of retirement.