The Los Angeles Rams, regardless of what happens during the NFL playoffs, have a massive decision to make on Matthew Stafford.
Whether he retires, signs an extension, or leaves in free agency, the Rams need to seriously consider getting a long-term replacement.
Alex Kay of Bleacher Report predicted the Rams will find their Stafford replacement in the NFL Draft. Specifically, Kay predicts the Rams will take Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with their first-round draft pick to find a long-term Stafford replacement.
Rams predicted to replace Stafford with Ty Simpson
"If the Rams don't opt to swing yet another blockbuster trade," Kay writes, "it might be sensible to utilize one of those selections on Ty Simpson. The Alabama product is coming off the board at No. 13 overall in the latest B/R Scouting Department mock draft."
The Rams could use a long-term solution at quarterback, and thanks to the extra first-round pick they received from the Atlanta Falcons, the Rams could take a quarterback in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft while still adding another player at a premium.
Stafford's future in the NFL is uncertain, and while he could very well stick around beyond this season, Simpson, or any quarterback in this upcoming draft, wouldn't be the worst option.
After leading the SEC in attempts and completions in 2025, Simpson, who had 3,567 passing yards and 28 touchdowns, could be a fun addition for the Rams.
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Instead of trading valuable picks for a player or signing someone new, drafting Simpson early could give the Rams a long-term solution at the quarterback spot.
And if Stafford does still decide to return, Simpson wouldn't be a bad pick. They could go down the Jordan Love-Aaron Rodgers route the Green Bay Packers did, or the Patrick Mahomes-Alex Smith route the Kansas City Chiefs did.
Whether Simpson sits for a year or gets a chance to start soon, Kay's prediction of Simpson to the Rams is an interesting one.
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