Chiefs and Rams fans licking their chops for 1st glimpse of controversial rookie

There was a strange reaction by many Los Angeles Rams fans upon learning of the selection of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft. Fans fumed. NFL draft analysts shook their collective heads in disbelief. But many NFL experts who are attuned to Los Angeles loved the pick.

The thing is, fans simply don't know what to expect from Simpson. But when they see how quickly he processes the field, effectively he runs the offense, and seamlessly he improvises to move the chains, they will warm up to him. He simply fits this team, and he'll have a great supporting cast to develop to his optimal level.

LA last drafted a quarterback in 2023, an NCAA overachieving quarterback named Stetson Bennett. Now, the team has added two new rookies, practically ensuring that the intention is to succeed veteran Matthew Stafford with a young home-grown arm.

It appears that Simpson will debut for fans of LA as well as those of the Kansas City Chiefs in the first preseason game at KC on August 15, 2026.

Tyler Simpson could toss his first touchdown in 1st preseason game

The LA Rams have a tradition of sitting veterans in preseason games, allowing rookies and depth players to showcase their skillsets as they compete for roster spots.

Once coaches have made their decision over who has earned a spot on the 53-man roster, they sit, making room for teammates who are still fighting for their right to remain with the team.

If LA continues the tradition, Stetson Bennett will likely sit out preseason, as he is the logical primary backup to quarterback Matthew Stafford for now. That sets the stage for Ty Simpson to play the lion's share of offensive snaps in three preseason games,

Simpson will likely split the preseason work with undrafted quarterback Matt Caldwell. While Caldwell will be fighting for a spot on the team's practice squad, Simpson will be showcasing how quickly and thoroughly he can grasp the nuances of piloting this high-octane offense. And he won't be alone.

Rookie tight end Max Klare and wide receiver CJ Daniels will be fighting to impress LA coaches, too. And the preseason will be the perfect stage to begin building the chemistry to carry them throughout their NFL careers.

Preseason games do not excite all NFL fans. But the Rams 2026 preseason is going to be both exciting and entertaining. And Kansas City may very well be the site of Ty Simpson's first touchdown pass for Los Angeles.

As always, thanks for reading.

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