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Los Angeles Rams rookie QB Ty Simpson admitted teammate Matthew Stafford has yet to contact him

The Los Angeles Rams shocked the NFL world when they drafted Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

Rams starting quarterback and reigning MVP Matthew Stafford was likely surprised too when the team told him of its plan to draft his successor.

General manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay admitted after picking Simpson that he was their pick all along and that Stafford was informed hours before Round 1 started that that was the plan.

Is There Tension Between Simpson and Stafford?

GettyLos Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford has yet to speak with first-round pick Ty Simpson

Though Simpson knows he’s not coming in to take Stafford’s job, that hasn’t stopped reporters from wondering if there’s any tension in the Rams locker room because Stafford’s heir apparent is on the roster.

Those questions likely amplified on Friday when Simpson admitted that he has yet to hear from Stafford since the Rams drafted him 24 hours prior.

“I have not [spoken with Matthew yet],” Simpson told reporters on Friday. “Kelly has actually texted me on Instagram and has welcomed me and told me to hit her up with my family if we ever need anything.

“But I can’t wait to talk to Matthew. I’m super ecstatic because I just want to pick his brain about everything and soak up all that knowledge, like how he goes about things, (he’s) just super awesome. I’ve been a big fan for a long time.”

Some fans commented on the video that it was strange Stafford’s wife had reached out to Simpson and not the quarterback himself.

Simpson did divulge that safety Quentin Lake was one of his new teammates who had reached out to him to welcome him to the team.

How Does Simpson Fit in L.A.?

GettyNew Los Angeles Rams quarterback Ty Simpson

It’s clear that Simpson wasn’t just another QB prospect to the Rams given his dad’s relationship with Snead.

“Rams GM Les Snead and UT-Martin coach Jason Simpson have a very strong relationship—to the point where Snead helped advise the family when Jason’s son, Ty, was making a decision on whether or not to declare for the draft. Now, Ty Simpson is a Ram,” SI.com’s Albert Breer wrote on X.

But aside from Snead’s relationship with the Simpson family, the Rams think the rookie QB’s play style is a perfect fit for McVay’s offense, and they’re sold on the fact he can develop into a franchise passer.

Simpson himself even thinks he was tailor-made to run the Rams offense.

“I think it starts with the line of scrimmage,” Simpson stated. “When you can tell Matthew is in the huddle, he’s taking control, he’s going up to the line of scrimmage and just making sure we’re in the right formations, the right checks, we’re under center, going seven-step drops, play-action, and the unique ways to get to different routes. You’ve got Puka Nacua inserting and running a cross.

“We’re in 13 personnel and running (Nacua), Matthew’s footwork and manipulating the defense — everything is just so detail oriented, and that’s how we were at Alabama. Coach Grubb was very detailed when it came to steps, footwork, play yardage — it was cool to watch Matthew and those guys do it on the film and then ironically enough, I’m here.”