Rams' Matthew Stafford extension provides clearer timeline for rookie Ty Simpson

The Los Angeles Rams and superstar quarterback Matthew Stafford agreed to a massive one-year, $55 milion extension.

ESPN sources: reigning NFL MVP Matthew Stafford and the Rams reached agreement today on a one-year, $55 million extension worth up to $60 million with incentives. Stafford now has two years and up to $105 million remaining on his deal with the Rams. pic.twitter.com/3lMmJMhk7R

The extension is worth up to $60 million with incentives.  

Stafford will now at least play two more seasons in Los Angeles. If he decides to hang up his cleats at the end of his contract, that could mean that rookie quarterback Ty Simpson will be the Rams' starting quarterback for the 2028 season. 

Rams focused on maximizing final Matthew Stafford years

The Rams shocked the football world in last month's draft when they selected Simpson with the 13th overall pick. Many assumed that Los Angeles would use that pick on a player who could contribute right out of the gate. Instead, the Rams drafted Simpson, a quarterback with little experience after high school. Nevertheless, the Rams believe he is the ultimate successor to the reigning MVP. 

There are still some question marks on whether Simpson will be ready, but with two years under Stafford and head coach Sean McVay, the expectation is he will be a lot more prepared once he goes under center. 

In the meantime, it is Stafford's team, and the Rams are ready to take advantage of the time left they have with the 38-year-old.

“Whenever that time comes for (Simpson) to get an opportunity to be Matthew’s successor will be on Matthew’s terms,” McVay said at the time. “I didn’t want that to ever be misunderstood. ... It is Matthew’s football team.”

Stafford is coming off arguably the best season of his career, winning league MVP but also setting the single-season franchise record for passing touchdowns (46) and becoming the third player in NFL history with multiple touchdown passes in 15 games in a season, joining Hall of Famers Peyton Manning and Dan Marino.

Stafford showed in 2025 that he has plenty left in the tank. As the Rams enter the 2026 season, Los Angeles is poised to be the last team standing come February 2027. 

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