The Los Angeles Rams have finally reached an agreement with first-round quarterback Ty Simpson, ensuring he'll join the team at training camp with a fully guaranteed four-year rookie contract worth $25.4 million.
The deal, which includes a $14.94 million signing bonus and a fifth-year team option, eliminates the last distraction for the Rams as they begin their training camp. Simpson, who was the No. 13 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, had been the only unsigned first-round pick from his draft class.
Rookie contract negotiations are often more straightforward under the NFL's current wage scale, with the length and overall value largely determined by draft position. However, fully guaranteed money, payment schedules, and offset language can still create delays. Simpson's agreement ensures he won't miss valuable practices at the beginning of camp.
With Simpson on board, he and Stetson Bennett will compete for the backup job behind Matthew Stafford. The Rams believe Simpson has the potential to become Stafford's eventual successor, but for now, the focus is on developing him as a capable backup.
Stafford remains firmly in control of the starting job, having led the league with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns last season. He's signed a one-year, $55 million extension that keeps him under contract through the 2027 season.
Simpson's first task will be beating out Bennett for the No. 2 spot. Bennett has received praise from McVay for the progress he made during the offseason and has more experience in the Rams' system. This gives him a legitimate opportunity to open the season as Stafford's primary backup.
Training camp and the preseason will give the coaching staff its first extended look at how Simpson handles pressure and improves his awareness of approaching pass rushers. His ability to learn a complicated playbook should fit well in McVay's system.
The Rams may not be completely finished evaluating their quarterback room. Veteran Jimmy Garoppolo reportedly considered retirement after spending the last two seasons as Stafford's backup, but he remains open to playing in 2026 if the right opportunity becomes available.
Los Angeles would prefer for its first-round pick to prove he can handle the QB2 job immediately, even if Stafford's presence gives Simpson time before he is asked to become the franchise's starter. Simpson's new $25.4 million agreement ensures he can report to work without losing any more time.
The Rams can now begin finding out whether their first-round quarterback is ready to become Stafford's top backup. With Simpson on board, the competition for the backup job will heat up, and the Rams will get their first extended look at how he handles pressure and improves his awareness of approaching pass rushers.
Source: Yahoo Sports