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The NFL offseason saw several teams take big swings. None, however, made bigger moves than the Los Angeles Rams. Not only did the Rams pull off two blockbuster trades to elevate their defense, but they also found their quarterback of the future. It’s rare for a franchise to accomplish either feat in a single offseason, let alone both.
Still, not everyone agrees with the Rams’ selection of Ty Simpson. In fact, the pick has become somewhat polarizing. ESPN even labeled it the team’s worst move of the offseason, handing the Rams a modest C+ grade for their overall offseason.
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“They swerved drastically from their Super Bowl window-maximizing approach when they drafted Simpson with the No. 13 pick. Selecting a player who won’t play without a [Matthew] Stafford injury is the opposite of maximizing their current window. And it looks even stranger after the Garrett trade. It’s not because backup quarterbacks don’t matter — they do — but a veteran backup could have been had for much less capital.” ESPN reported.
Jun 2, 2026; Woodland Hills, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Ty Simpson (15) throws the ball during organized team activities at Rams Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
That argument misses the bigger picture. Simpson is a talented quarterback with many of the traits NFL teams look for in a franchise signal-caller. Calling him the Rams’ worst move of the offseason overlooks the long-term value of the selection.
The Rams didn’t just make enough moves to establish themselves as Super Bowl contenders—they also capitalized on a rare opportunity. A first-round-caliber quarterback doesn’t fall into a team’s lap every year. Sure, Simpson may have still been available had the Rams traded back.
MORE: ESPN rips Jets’ decision to start Geno Smith, suggests rookie Cade Klubnik instead
But that was far from guaranteed. Instead, the Rams secured Matthew Stafford’s heir apparent. Simpson will also benefit from an ideal developmental situation, as he won’t be forced to start immediately or compete with a short-term veteran placeholder.
Jun 2, 2026; Woodland Hills, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Ty Simpson (15) throws the ball during organized team activities at Rams Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
There’s nothing confusing about the decision. If anything, it gives the Rams a chance to extend their championship window once Stafford retires. The fact that some analysts fail to recognize the significance of that opportunity is surprising.
Of course, the Rams could have selected another player. But would that player have been guaranteed to contribute immediately? Not necessarily. By drafting Simpson, the Rams positioned themselves for sustained success at the most important position in football.
Any argument to the contrary is shortsighted and ignores the organization’s long-term vision.
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Still, not everyone agrees with the Rams’ selection of Ty Simpson. In fact, the pick has become somewhat polarizing. ESPN even labeled it the team’s worst move of the offseason, handing the Rams a modest C+ grade for their overall offseason.
MORE: Terrion Arnold has 3 NFL teams interested in signing him, despite his legal issues
“They swerved drastically from their Super Bowl window-maximizing approach when they drafted Simpson with the No. 13 pick. Selecting a player who won’t play without a [Matthew] Stafford injury is the opposite of maximizing their current window. And it looks even stranger after the Garrett trade. It’s not because backup quarterbacks don’t matter — they do — but a veteran backup could have been had for much less capital.” ESPN reported.
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Jun 2, 2026; Woodland Hills, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Ty Simpson (15) throws the ball during organized team activities at Rams Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Failing to see Rams big picture
That argument misses the bigger picture. Simpson is a talented quarterback with many of the traits NFL teams look for in a franchise signal-caller. Calling him the Rams’ worst move of the offseason overlooks the long-term value of the selection.
The Rams didn’t just make enough moves to establish themselves as Super Bowl contenders—they also capitalized on a rare opportunity. A first-round-caliber quarterback doesn’t fall into a team’s lap every year. Sure, Simpson may have still been available had the Rams traded back.
MORE: ESPN rips Jets’ decision to start Geno Smith, suggests rookie Cade Klubnik instead
But that was far from guaranteed. Instead, the Rams secured Matthew Stafford’s heir apparent. Simpson will also benefit from an ideal developmental situation, as he won’t be forced to start immediately or compete with a short-term veteran placeholder.
You must be registered for see images attach
Jun 2, 2026; Woodland Hills, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Ty Simpson (15) throws the ball during organized team activities at Rams Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
There’s nothing confusing about the decision. If anything, it gives the Rams a chance to extend their championship window once Stafford retires. The fact that some analysts fail to recognize the significance of that opportunity is surprising.
Of course, the Rams could have selected another player. But would that player have been guaranteed to contribute immediately? Not necessarily. By drafting Simpson, the Rams positioned themselves for sustained success at the most important position in football.
Any argument to the contrary is shortsighted and ignores the organization’s long-term vision.
Continue reading...
