LOS ANGELES (AP) — The reigning MVP quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams, Matthew Stafford, expressed his acceptance of the team’s decision to select Ty Simpson in last month’s draft, despite having the league’s top performer locked in for a minimum of two more seasons.
“Listen, I’m not 25 years old, and I get that,” Stafford commented on Thursday following organized team activities at the Rams’ training facility. “So we’re doing everything we can to be as good a football team as we can for now, for the future, for all of it.”
The veteran signal-caller, now 38, revealed he maintains “constant dialogue and a great relationship” with head coach Sean McVay, who contacted him last month before the Rams shocked the league by selecting Simpson with the 13th overall selection. The Alabama quarterback wasn’t anticipated to be chosen so early in the draft or land with the Rams, who had already confirmed Stafford’s return for 2026.
Following his record-breaking season, the NFL’s sixth all-time leading passer secured a substantial contract extension for 2027 just last week, solidifying his position that was already secure. McVay has consistently affirmed that Stafford remains the Rams’ starter for however long he chooses to continue playing, even following the team’s investment of their highest draft selection in a decade on a quarterback.
However, Stafford also clarified the reasoning behind the Rams’ quarterback selection when he confirmed Thursday that he continues to evaluate his future on an annual basis, even with his two-year contractual obligation.
“Happy to have next year taken care of if I decide to play — and they still want me back,” Stafford remarked with a smile. “Excited to get that behind me, because I just want to come out here and play, and not think about the extra stuff. It’s good to get it done sooner rather than later.”
During this month’s workouts, Stafford and Simpson have been training together with returning backup Stetson Bennett and undrafted rookie Matthew Caldwell. Bennett and Simpson are anticipated to battle for the backup position behind Stafford, who enters his 18th professional season.
The veteran quarterback and the 23-year-old Simpson seem to be developing a positive relationship early on, though Stafford remains primarily concentrated on his own preparation rather than mentoring, as he pursues a legitimate opportunity to claim his second championship ring this season.
“He’s a guy that asks questions,” Stafford noted. “I’ve been trying to answer those as honestly and as thoroughly as I possibly can. He’s a smart kid. He’s got talent, obviously. Happy to add good players to our team. He’s one of them. But my job is to go out there and get myself and our team as ready to play as we possibly can.”
Stafford is fresh off one of his finest campaigns, earning his inaugural MVP recognition. He threw for a league-leading 4,707 yards and a personal-best 46 touchdown passes against only eight interceptions while guiding the Rams to 12 victories, two playoff road wins, and an appearance in the NFC championship contest.
Although Stafford plans to delay his decision about returning for 2027 until next offseason, it appears increasingly evident that he has no desire to play elsewhere. He rejected interest from other franchises a year ago and promptly secured his future with the Rams this year after his MVP campaign.
When questioned about whether he plans to conclude his career with the Rams, Stafford responded: “That would probably be a ‘Yes,’ but … this is life, and I don’t know what’s going to happen. I do love playing here. I love playing for this organization. Love my teammates, and my family loves it here.”
