Rams make $25.4 million Ty Simpson decision as training camp begins

The Los Angeles Rams eliminated their final training-camp distraction Saturday by reaching an agreement with first-round quarterback Ty Simpson.

Simpson agreed to a fully guaranteed four-year rookie contract worth $25.4 million, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The deal includes a $14.94 million signing bonus and a fifth-year team option that Los Angeles can exercise following the 2029 season.

The former Alabama quarterback was the No. 13 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. He entered Saturday as the only unsigned first-round pick from his draft class, creating at least some concern that he could miss valuable practices at the beginning of camp.

That will no longer be an issue. Simpson can now join the Rams as they begin full-team practices and start competing with Stetson Bennett for the backup job behind Matthew Stafford.

Ty Simpson ends contract wait

Rookie contract negotiations are much more straightforward under the NFL’s current wage scale because the length and overall value are largely determined by draft position. However, fully guaranteed money, payment schedules and offset language can still create delays.

Simpon was one of the final two unsigned players from the entire 2026 draft class. New England Patriots second-round pick Gabe Jacas was the other player who had not finalized his deal when news of Simpson’s agreement surfaced.

The timing is important for Simpson. Rookie quarterbacks need every possible repetition during their first training camp, especially one who is learning Sean McVay’s offense and competing for an immediate role.

Matthew Stafford will receive most of the first-team work when healthy, leaving Simpson and Bennett to split a limited number of backup snaps. Missing even a few practices could have allowed Bennett to establish a meaningful advantage. Instead, Simpson will be available as the real competition begins.

Simpson battles Stetson Bennett for Rams backup job

Los Angeles did not use the 13th overall pick on Simpson merely to find a backup quarterback. The Rams believe he has the potential to become Stafford’s eventual successor. The organization understood it might not have another opportunity to select this high in the near future, especially after finishing 12-5 and advancing to the NFC Championship Game last season.

Stafford remains firmly in control of the starting job. The reigning NFL MVP led the league with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns before signing a one-year, $55 million extension that keeps him under contract through the 2027 season. That gives the Rams time to develop Simpson without forcing him into the lineup.

His 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. The former Georgia star also has more experience in the Rams’ system, giving him a legitimate opportunity to open the season as Stafford’s primary backup.

Simpson brings first-round talent and a reputation for processing defenses quickly. His ability to learn a complicated playbook should fit well in McVay’s system, but he must become more decisive under pressure and improve his awareness of approaching pass rushers.

Training camp and the preseason will give the coaching staff its first extended look at how Simpson handles those areas.

Could Jimmy Garoppolo return to Los Angeles?

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.

A return to Los Angeles could provide the Rams with proven insurance if neither Simpson nor Bennett looks ready to handle the backup role. Garoppolo already knows McVay’s offense and has extensive starting experience. Bringing him back, however, would reduce the practice and preseason opportunities available to Simpson.

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. The contract delay briefly threatened to complicate that development plan. Simpson’s new $25.4 million agreement ensures he can report to work without losing any more time.

Now the paperwork is finished, the money is guaranteed and the Rams can begin finding out whether their first-round quarterback is ready to become Stafford’s top backup.

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