Ty Simpson contract resolution means Rams fans can focus fully on what counts

Throughout OTAs and into the thick of summer, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Ty Simpson remained one of the few unsigned early-round draft picks. He and No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza headlined the tiny cohort. 

Mendoza finally signed his contract on July 23, and Simpson followed suit two days later, agreeing to a four-year, $25.4 million deal, fully guaranteed and including a $14.94 million signing bonus. It also includes a fifth-year option. 

Rookie-scale contracts derive from a formula based on draft position, so the amount or duration was never up for debate. What wiggle room there is centers mainly on when the signing bonus is paid out, and how much at a time.

It's not like it was weighing heavily on anyone's mind, but it's good to have such housekeeping squared away in time for training camp. Now we can all concentrate on what counts, which is tracking Simpson's development over the course of the summer.

Simpson's development is sole focus with contract distraction dispelled

Getting a deal done ahead of camp was, of course, in Simpson's best interests as well. It would be somewhat risky, even as a bubble-wrapped first-round quarterback, in a red no-contact jersey, to take the practice field without money in the bank. It's a bit different than in OTAs, which are more of an appetizer.

In any case, it's good for Simpson not to have it hanging over his head. He got his feet wet in rookie camp and OTAs. The stakes from here on out are just a little bit higher.

The Rams won't heap him with any pressure he isn't ready for, but they'll be watching closely to see whether he can edge out Stetson Bennett for the backup job. The real competition starts now. 

Neither Simpson nor Bennett took the upper hand during limited OTA reps. Bennett, a 2023 fourth-round pick who spent last season as the Rams' emergency QB, has the advantage of experience - both in an NFL environment and in Sean McVay's offensive system. 

Simpson is a wild card. He'll have to make some substantial strides to claim the QB2 role by season's start. Then again, the Rams clearly believe in his ceiling.

Whether Simpson does or doesn't beat out Bennett, which right now feels more unlikely than not, the most important thing he can do is demonstrate the promise McVay has extolled.

More than anything, Rams fans just need to see flashes of the future franchise quarterback the team is counting on Simpson eventually becoming. That would go a long way toward easing any sting or anxiety over his controversial selection at 13th overall.

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