Don't look for Matthew Stafford to hand off Rams to rookie QB anytime soon

Imagine the dynamics of the Los Angeles Rams quarterback room. Despite coming off an MVP season, veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford is getting hammered with questions about rookie quarterback Ty Simpson. While Stafford has been diplomatic about Simpson, he hints to the media that his main responsibility is getting the offense ready for the new season.

Still, Ty Simpson is going to dominate LA's headlines, as he is as important to the team's future as he is controversial to a team aiming for the Lombardi Trophy in 2026. So it will take some time for questions about Simpson to subside, making room for questions about the overall team to take center stage. In the meantime, Stafford will have to respond to questions as best he can.

“I think my job, first and foremost, is just to get myself and our team ready to play as best I possibly can. (Ty) is a part of that team. There’s no question about it: We’re in a unique position in the fact that we play the same position. I have a ton of experience, and he’s just now starting his journey as an NFL player." - Matthew Stafford as per the Athletic's Nate Atkins

And that is how the Rams OTA's have opened for the 2026 season.

Matthew Stafford isn't planning to retire anytime soon

Of course, the return of OTA's is the first sign that LA Rams football is back. With its arrival, an entire offseason's worth of questions rush to the forefront, bursting with pent-up urgency that demands immediate answers.

One line of questions that confronted Matthew Stafford at the podium was how long he would play in the NFL. And Stafford had the perfect answer.

"Obviously, if I’m feeling healthy and like I said, it’s a family decision. I can’t sit there and tell you what it’s going to look like 365 days from now. If you can, let me know. … I’m doing the best I can to make sure that I can play as long as I can and make sure that my family and I are all on the same page before we embark on whatever season it may be."- Matthew Stafford about his future

Don't be fooled into believing that anyone is eager to swap out Stafford for rookie Ty Simpson. The reason LA drafted the rookie quarterback is that he needs time to develop, time that this team can afford to give him.

So, while the topic will not subside anytime soon, Stafford handing off the reins to LA's offense will remain a hot topic for now; don't look for that to happen anytime soon. Simpson is learning quickly, but he is far removed from demonstrating a command of this offense in a game-like scenario.

Of course, the offense is not solely about rookie Ty Simpson. Running backs Kyren Williams and Blake Corum are well-positioned to run for 1000+ yards apiece in 2026. The team has strengthened a robust tight end room with the addition of Max Klare, Dan Villari, and company.

But some things have not changed. Matthew Stafford is still running the offense. From what we see so far, that won't change anytime soon.

As always, thanks for reading.

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