The Los Angeles Rams made waves during the 2026 NFL Draft by selecting Ty Simpson at 13th overall, despite already having reigning NFL MVP Matthew Stafford on their roster. This surprising decision left many NFL fans stunned, but Simpson and his family had been in contact with the Rams, indicating a long-term interest in the quarterback.

The intrigue began in late December when Les Snead, the Rams' GM, met with Simpson's family before the Rose Bowl. With a lucrative $6.5 million offer from Miami on the table for Simpson to stay in college, the family sought assurance about his potential first-round selection. Snead reportedly told them, "I'm gonna take him with the No. 13 pick," solidifying their belief in his NFL prospects.

In a unique twist, Simpson had a private meeting with head coach Sean McVay, which he kept under wraps. Simpson described it as a lengthy discussion focused on football, highlighting McVay's passion for the game. The secrecy around this meeting was crucial, as it prevented other teams from pursuing Simpson aggressively.

Interestingly, the Rams initially aimed to trade back from the 13th pick to acquire additional picks but received no offers, forcing them to select Simpson earlier than intended. This unexpected choice drew mixed reactions, including a smirk from Forty-Niners GM John Lynch.

Post-draft, McVay expressed concern about managing Stafford's feelings, emphasizing the veteran's importance to the team. While Simpson hasn't yet connected with Stafford, he received a warm welcome from Kelly Stafford, who encouraged him to reach out for support.

The Rams' decision to draft Ty Simpson will be a topic of heated debate, but it's clear they firmly believed he was their future franchise quarterback.