Sean McVay Sparks Concern With Remark About New QB Ty Simpson

Generally, when you pick the heir apparent of your franchise at quarterback, there is excitement in the post-draft presser.

Regardless of whether that player goes on to be the next face of the NFL or starts five games before never taking another snap in the league again, on draft night, anything is possible.

Sean McVay, though, seemed less than enthused on Thursday night following the selection of his team’s next starting signal-caller once MVP Matthew Stafford hangs up the cleats.

More news: Winners and Losers From Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft

The Los Angeles Rams used their No. 13 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to select Ty Simpson from the Alabama Crimson Tide, anointing him the next in line for whenever Stafford decides to retire.

McVay was quick to make sure the press knew that Stafford was not surprised by this decision, stating that he had spoken with the MVP earlier that day to inform him that the team was going with Simpson.

On the topic of whether Simpson was going to compete with Stafford for the starting job, McVay didn’t even commit to Simpson being the team’s primary backup, saying he’d need to compete with former back-to-back national champion Stetson Bennett.

McVay was short with his words during the press conference and let general manager Les Snead take the brunt of the questions, as the chilly scene stood out like a sore thumb compared to other teams raving about their process.

The Rams will open their 2026 season technically at home, but as far from Los Angeles as possible, playing the first-ever regular-season game in Melbourne, Australia, against the San Francisco 49ers.

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This story was originally published April 24, 2026 at 12:49 AM.