Simpson added that Stafford’s guidance has gone beyond just the QB room.
“[Stafford has] took us all in,” he said. “And I really appreciate that because he didn’t have to. And anything I can ask of him and I can just accept, I’m willing to do it. So like I said, I hope I’m not pissing him off, but I appreciate the big brother role he plays in my development.”
The Rams selected Simpson in the first round and passed on a chance to select a player who will help the club excel in 2026 to eventually replace Stafford. Given the strides the rookie has to make, there’s still a chance LA could still have a veteran at some point in or after training camp to work as the primary backup if Stafford gets hurt.
Last month, McVay was asked if the team was still weighing the possibility of adding a veteran QB.
“It’s not something we’ve really talked about right now,” McVay said. “I would never rule it out, but not now.”
The final decision will likely depend on how much hydrant Simpson is allowed to guzzle in training camp and the preseason. Given Stafford’s age and position in the offense, McVay is likely to distribute more reps in training camp to see where Simpson stands in his development. How the rookie reacts will have a dominant effect on the Rams’ approach to the QB room for the 2026 campaign.