The opening night of the 2026 NFL Draft delivered plenty of excitement, as it typically does, featuring several surprising moves and notable decisions across the league. The Detroit Lions opted for a more straightforward approach, selecting offensive tackle Blake Miller with the 17th overall pick. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams made a more unexpected choice by drafting a quarterback widely viewed as a potential successor to Matthew Stafford.

Stafford remains the Rams’ starting quarterback heading into the 2026–27 season and is still performing at a high level. In fact, he captured the league’s MVP award earlier this year after delivering an outstanding campaign.

Even so, Stafford is now 38 years old, which naturally brings questions about how much longer he plans to continue playing. As quarterbacks reach the later stages of their careers, discussions about retirement tend to become more frequent.

During the first round on April 23, Los Angeles surprised many observers by selecting Ty Simpson out of University of Alabama. The move quickly sparked speculation that Simpson could eventually take over the starting role once Stafford steps away.

Rams Plan for the Future Behind Stafford

Simpson’s arrival in Los Angeles may have caught some fans off guard, but the decision also carries clear long-term logic. According to Fox News writer Dan Zaksheske, the selection represents a notable shift for a franchise that has often dealt away first-round picks in pursuit of immediate success. Still, Zaksheske pointed out that the move might ultimately be an ideal situation for the young quarterback.

For now, Stafford remains firmly in place as the Rams’ starter for the upcoming season. However, the team appears to be preparing for the future in case the veteran decides to retire in the coming years.

Simpson could benefit from the opportunity to develop without the pressure of starting right away. Learning behind an experienced and highly accomplished quarterback gives him time to adjust to the speed of the NFL while refining his skills.

Zaksheske also emphasized that Simpson is entering a favorable environment. The Rams are widely regarded as one of the league’s most well-managed organizations, and they are led by head coach Sean McVay, who guided the team to victory in Super Bowl LVI at the conclusion of the 2021 season. More recently, Los Angeles came close to another championship appearance before falling to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game.

Because of that situation, the arrangement could work out well for both the Rams and their new rookie quarterback. Although some young players prefer to compete for a starting role immediately, Simpson will have the chance to learn in a stable system and potentially join a team capable of contending for another Super Bowl.

Stafford Reflects on His MVP Season

Stafford, who served as the franchise quarterback for the Lions from 2009 through 2020, added another major accomplishment to his résumé earlier this year when he won the NFL’s Most Valuable Player award after leading the Rams on a deep playoff run.

During his acceptance speech, Stafford expressed appreciation for the support of his family, including his wife, Kelly Stafford. He acknowledged the sacrifices she has made throughout his career and shared how much her support means to him.

He also took a moment to recognize his four daughters—Chandler, Sawyer, Hunter, and Tyler—saying he feels fortunate to share moments like that stage appearance with them and hopes the lessons he’s learned through football can be passed on to them.

As the next season approaches, both Stafford and Simpson will begin their journey together in Los Angeles. For Rams fans, it represents a blend of present success and future planning—though supporters of the Lions will naturally hope their former quarterback and his new teammate don’t shine when facing Detroit.