The Los Angeles Rams made a bold decision to draft quarterback Ty Simpson in the first round, especially as they would later extend Matthew Stafford through the 2027 season.
The franchise felt that it needed a long-term answer to life after Stafford and Simpson was a clear option, as it's unlikely the team would draft as high as it did for Simpson in the near future. The only reason the Rams had the 13th overall pick, the selection used on Simpson, was due to Les Snead taking advantage of a dying regime in Atlanta during the 2025 draft.
Despite the logic, the leadership came under fire for the move. I was critical of the move myself. The move, still dividing opinion, was named by Sports Illustrated's Eva Geitheim as an offseason decision that
could haunt them.
Since clearing up their initial reactions after the selection of Ty Simpson, the Rams have expressed excitement about their next quarterback, whom they took higher than many anticipated with the No. 13 pick. The Rams were expected to use that pick on another pass catcher or potentially an offensive lineman, a player that could be an important piece in their Super Bowl aspirations.
Instead, the Rams went with an inexperienced quarterback who is not expected to play for at least a full season. The move could be regrettable if one of their receivers or offensive linemen misses extended time this year and they are unable to win a Super Bowl.
It makes sense to name the Simpson decision as the list required a move from every team, here's why the Rams adding Simpson was the only move to make.
No Simpson, no Garrett
It's really that simple. The Rams, regardless of Stafford's status, needed a backup quarterback, and there were no good options. Kirk Cousins took a starting job with the Las Vegas Raiders, Joe Flacco stayed with the Cincinnati Bengals, Jimmy Garoppolo flirted with retirement. There was no one.
Any replacement would be a year's rental at best. So, they needed a backup anyway. On top of that, Stafford has admitted the year-to-year deal he has with the Rams is mutually agreed upon, as he doesn't want a long-term commitment in case he can't fulfill it.
Thus, at some point, the Rams needed to find a long-term solution, and the free-agent market is too unstable to bet on, with Baker Mayfield being the only championship-quality quarterback heading to free agency in the near future.
So, the Rams would have to look to the draft, especially as a rookie contract would help balance out the books as others get extensions.
If the Rams don't draft Simpson in 2026, they are unable to afford to give up the picks needed to acquire Garrett, needing to save them for a quarterback. Even so, considering the team typically drafts in the back half of the first round, Snead and company would likely have to give up three first-round picks to move up for a quarterback that's starting-caliber.
Instead, they keep their picks, get Garrett, and have their answer for life after Stafford. It’s hard to complain about that.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: NFL analyst names one offseason move that could haunt Rams in 2026
