Ty Simpson Soaks Up Stafford's Wisdom as Rams Hand Rookie the Preseason Reps

The Rams didn't spend the No. 13 overall pick on Ty Simpson to watch him hold a clipboard forever. But for now, that's exactly the plan — and the rookie is fine with it, because the guy in front of him just threw 46 touchdowns and zero interceptions across 17 games in 2025. That's Matthew Stafford's actual line last season, and it's why he sits as our #1 quarterback and #3 player overall heading into 2026.

Simpson told reporters Thursday that the best thing Stafford has passed along is simple: be yourself and don't try to copy anyone else. The veteran also told the rookie to just go let it rip in his first NFL action, framing it as nothing he hasn't done before. Practical stuff — and Simpson's about to get a live test.

With Stafford expected to sit out preseason entirely, Simpson is in line for a heavy workload over the next three weeks. That's a real audition in front of Sean McVay, who now gets his first extended look at the quarterback his front office bet on as the long-term answer. Stetson Bennett is also in the room, but the reps this month belong to the rookie.

Simpson made the succession plan sound collaborative rather than competitive, saying it's a growth moment for the whole group. It's the right message. The Rams were transparent when they drafted him: this is Stafford's team, Simpson is the future, and the redshirt clock is ticking quietly in the background.

The Fantasy Fallout

For 2026 fantasy purposes, none of this changes your board. Stafford remains the locked-in QB1 in our rankings after a 370-PPR-point season in 2025, and a rookie taking preseason snaps doesn't dent that ceiling. If anything, Simpson's presence is insurance — a competent understudy who limits the panic if Stafford, who turns the corner of his career, misses time.

So the verdict: hold Stafford with total confidence and treat Simpson as a dynasty stash, not a redraft asset. In deeper dynasty formats he's a worthwhile late add — the pedigree and the job security behind an elite offense make him a patient buy. In standard single-season leagues, there's nothing to do here yet. Watch the preseason tape, note who's running the show, and revisit if the Rams' quarterback picture shifts.