The Los Angeles Rams made a big decision in the 2026 draft. They used their 13th pick for QB Ty Simpson, and one Super Bowl Champion has just endorsed this decision.

“When you’re drafting for depth, where do you want the best depth? At the quarterback position? So they did exactly what they were supposed to do,” said Jerome Bettis in conversation with sportswriter DJ Saddiqi on 2 July. 

When Simpson was drafted, there was talk about Sean McVay disapproving of the move. McVay simply wanted the team to be careful with it and ensure it didn't send the wrong message to Matthew Stafford.

Now, while Matthew Stafford didn't show any sign of slowing down last year at 38, making 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns, he might retire in the next few years. That's why keeping a young backup who can gain valuable experience under a Super Bowl winner.

According to reports, Stafford and Simpson are getting along well during the spring workouts. But with McVay’s preference for Stafford, Simpson may be the Rams’ QB3 during the 2026 season. But even then, Bettis doesn't see it as a problem. 

“You draft for depth when you’re a championship team and the QB position is where you ultimately need the best depth over the course of the season because when you lose your starting QB, you’re in big trouble unless you’ve got depth right,” added Bettis to the conversation. “You’ve got another really good player right behind him and that’s what they have done.”

Bettis concluded by saying that while Stafford may not have appreciated the Rams’ move in using a first-round draft pick on his successor, Simpson may benefit the team in a “huge way”.

Matthew Stafford clears the air about his role in Simpson’s development

The LA Rams brought in Simpson, but made it clear that it’s still Stafford’s team until he decides to step back from his NFL career, per NFL insider Myles Simmons of NBC Sports. 

In an interview with Chris Long’s podcast on 23 June, Stafford, while sharing his plans for the future, also talked about what he wants Simpson to say about him years later. 

“Hopefully, he comes away with a guy who treated him the right way and showed him what it was about, what it’s like to be a true professional and also be yourself,” said Stafford. “... But at the same time, I’m here for him if he needs help… And hopefully, he’s a guy that 15,20 years down the road can look back and say, I really enjoyed my time with Matthew and learned a lot from him.”

Stafford concluded by saying that he’s fired up for Simpson and for the team and that he’s there to encourage everyone to do their best as long as he’s still with the Rams.

Read more at the Cleveland Browns Community!

Written by

Naomi Grace

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar