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Ty Simpson
QB · LAR

Ty Simpson

Position QB
Team LAR
Bye Week 11
PPR Rank —

Ty Simpson

NFL player. Position: QB. Team: LAR (Los Angeles Rams).

Quick Facts

  • Position: QB
  • Team: LAR (Los Angeles Rams)
  • Bye week (2026): 11
  • College: Alabama

2026 Outlook

Second-ranked QB in the 2026 rookie fantasy dynasty rankings behind Fernando Mendoza. Drafted by the Rams with elite arm talent and pedigree from Alabama. Despite strong preseason performances, Simpson has been named the third-string quarterback behind Matthew Stafford and Stetson Bennett for Week 1 (per NFL Catchup: Rams Name Ty Simpson QB3; Cardinals Extend WR Michael Wilson). The decision to slot Bennett as QB2 suggests the Rams prioritize his familiarity with McVay's system over Simpson's draft pedigree. This pushes Simpson's fantasy timeline back further—he remains a long-term development project with virtually no redraft value. In dynasty leagues, his long-term prospects playing in McVay's elite passing offense make him "far more attractive" than in redraft formats where he has virtually no fantasy value as a rookie backup (per 2026 Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings: Quarterbacks, Running Backs, Wide Receivers, Tight Ends - Sports Illustrated). Stafford (38 years old, MVP in 2025) could retire in a few seasons, making the backup a future starter-in-waiting. McVay's track record developing young talent and the Rams' proven offensive system position Simpson favorably for eventual NFL success if the starter role opens within 2-3 years.

Backup unreadiness (May 15): The critical weakness in the Rams' championship architecture is backup QB depth. Simpson was not drafted to keep the boat afloat if Stafford misses a few weeks—he's a long-term project. Unlike prior years when the Rams had safety nets like Jimmy Garoppolo, they lack a credible short-term insurance policy if Stafford's durability falters. A couple losses with a backup-QB situation could easily be the difference between hosting playoff games or missing the tournament entirely. Simpson's elite pedigree doesn't change the immediate reality: he's a rookie on a learning curve, and the Rams need Stafford healthy and performing at MVP level to sustain their Super Bowl window (per Is Rams' offense more fragile than defense?).

Preseason debut (August 15-16): Simpson made an impressive first impression, completing 21 of 25 passes for 190 yards and 2 TDs in three quarters of work against Kansas City. His 125.0 passer rating and zero interceptions—paired with McVay's public praise ("in good command")—validate draft-day skeptics' doubts about his arm talent. The fact McVay entrusted Simpson with the postgame locker-room breakdown to teammates (an honor typically reserved for established leaders) signals growing confidence in his leadership and poise under pressure (per It's wise not to trust the NFL preseason but, holy moly, Rams QB Ty Simpson looks like a stud).

Preseason Week 3 (Aug 27): In the Chargers-Rams preseason matchup, Simpson showed efficient early play, going 9-for-10 with 55 passing yards and 11 rushing yards in the opening quarter against Los Angeles' defense. His third drive was his best, though the Rams' run-heavy approach (first, second, third and fourth-down runs from the Chargers' 4-yard line) limited passing opportunity to showcase further arm talent. The continued efficiency reinforces his trajectory as a capable developmental backup (per NFL preseason live scores, updates: Bills beat Steelers with Browns ahead of Patriots, Raiders up on 49ers - The New York Times).

July 3 organizational endorsement: Jerome Bettis, NFL Hall of Famer and former Ram, publicly endorsed the Simpson pick as sound organizational strategy. Bettis argued that championship teams must draft for depth at the QB position—a lesson he contrasted with the Pittsburgh Steelers' failure to develop a post-Ben Roethlisberger succession plan. Bettis cited successful historical precedent: Patrick Mahomes sitting behind Alex Smith (Kansas City) and Aaron Rodgers behind Brett Favre (Green Bay) both resulted in championship windows. The Rams' all-in 2026 roster (with recent Myles Garrett acquisition) positions Simpson's heir-apparent status as prudent long-term management. Simpson's dynasty value depends on Stafford's durability and whether the Rams extend their championship window beyond the 38-year-old MVP (per NFL Legend, Former Ram Says Ty Simpson Pick was 'Right Thing').

Contract signed (July 25): Simpson agreed to a fully guaranteed four-year rookie contract worth $25.4 million, including a $14.94 million signing bonus and a fifth-year team option. The deal ended his contract holdout and allowed him to join full-team practices at training camp without missing valuable repetitions in Sean McVay's system. His ability to learn the complex playbook quickly will be tested immediately as he competes with Stetson Bennett for the backup role (per Rams make $25.4 million Ty Simpson decision as training camp begins).

Simpson's primary challenge entering camp: becoming more decisive under pressure and improving pass rush awareness. While he brings first-round talent and a reputation for quick processing, coaching staff will evaluate whether he can handle the physical and mental demands of live competition. Bennett brings offensive system experience as the alternative, making this a genuine competition rather than a coronation (per Rams make $25.4 million Ty Simpson decision as training camp begins).

Learning under an MVP: Simpson's primary role is to learn (July 22): ESPN's Schatz ranking identifies Simpson as the only Rams player under 25 who qualifies as a "blue-chip asset." However, the Rams' strategy is NOT to play him anytime soon. His primary responsibility is learning from Matthew Stafford, a 38-year-old MVP-caliber veteran and one of the most accomplished QBs of his generation. This unusual dynamic (drafting a potential successor high but continuing to bank on the veteran) reflects the Rams' "win now" philosophy. Simpson will turn 24 in December. His learning period is expected to stretch through at least the 2026 season, potentially longer if Stafford extends his career. In dynasty formats, this underscores the importance of patience: Simpson's fantasy value won't materialize for multiple years (per Rams receive surprising NFL ranking despite Super Bowl expectations).

Contract expected (July 23): With Fernando Mendoza signing his rookie deal, Simpson is expected to follow suit shortly, along with other early-round QB picks. (per Fernando Mendoza signs rookie contract - NBC Sports)

Training camp battle sharpening (July 13): The competition with Bennett is genuine and performance-driven. Simpson's draft pedigree guarantees him a roster spot regardless of camp performance, but his trajectory as QB2 depends on how he handles rookie growing pains in real-game situations. Bennett's three years in the Rams' system give him an edge in experience, but Simpson's long-term upside (higher draft capital, younger) makes this a true battle for the backup role heading into camp (per Rams training camp preview: Ty Simpson or Stetson Bennett as QB2?)

Role / Depth Chart

Backup to Matthew Stafford. Dynasty prospects depend on Stafford's injury history and whether the Rams commit to Simpson long-term. Will likely get limited 2026 playing time while learning McVay's system.

Injury Status

No reported injuries.

Recent News

Open Questions

  • When will Matthew Stafford be phased out and Simpson get a realistic path to starting?
  • Can Simpson master McVay's complex passing system as a learning backup?

Sources

Coaches shaping Ty's role

Sean McVayHead CoachNate ScheelhaaseOffensive CoordinatorDave RagoneAssociate Coordinator/QuarterbacksJimmy LakePass Game Coordinator/Defensive BacksBrian AllenAssistant Offensive LineRyan WendellOffensive LineZak KromerAssistant Offensive Line

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