Donovan McNabb gives Rams fans a glimpse of Matthew Stafford’s mindset on Ty Simpson

Donovan McNabb already had one foot out of the NFL by the time he had to worry about a highly touted prospect gunning for his spot. However, spending 11 seasons as the Philadelphia Eagles' franchise quarterback makes him overly qualified to speak on the Los Angeles Rams' Matthew Stafford-Ty Simpson dynamic.

McNabb was asked to speak on the Rams' current situation during a recent appearance on Up & Adams. More specifically, a glimpse into Stafford's perspective after Los Angeles shocked the football world and selected Simpson No. 13 overall in the 2026 draft.

And by the sound of it, McNabb doesn't expect Stafford's mindset to change too much, if at all:

"I think one thing we have to understand [is] we stay professional as older quarterbacks," McNabb stated. "We go through our regimen of just preparing for the season, obviously, as the starter. The experience factor plays a major part. ... More show [Simpson] by example — how to prepare, how to go about your business, how you approach each and every day at practice. And while you're doing that, making sure you're still on top of your game and top tier. Because one thing you don't want ... 'you [aren't] taking my job.'"

Donovan McNabb suggests it's business as usual for Matthew Stafford after Rams' Ty Simpson pick

While this is uncharted territory for Stafford, he's a consummate professional who's been in the league for nearly two decades. The reigning MVP knows not to get too high or too low and focus on the things that are in his control. But more importantly, the competitor in him will do everything possible to keep Simpson glued to the bench, as McNabb highlighted.

Of course, Simpson's arrival is far from ideal for Stafford. The win-now Rams could've added a player to boost their Super Bowl LXI odds, but invested heavily in the latter's eventual successor instead. Nevertheless, McNabb ostensibly sees Los Angeles' decision as fuel for the fire.

Established veteran signal-callers typically don't take too kindly to working with their long-term replacements. Yet, McNabb's comments suggest Stafford will be even more motivated by Simpson's presence.

Stafford, 38, is entering the final year of his current contract with the Rams. The two sides are reportedly "deep" in talks on a new deal, and there's a "real chance" the gunslinger plays beyond this upcoming campaign.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow