NFL player shares fascinating Sean McVay theory for why Rams picked Ty Simpson

NFL player shares fascinating Sean McVay theory for why Rams picked Ty Simpson originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The shocker of the 2026 NFL Draft came courtesy of the Los Angeles Rams when they selected Ty Simpson, the Alabama quarterback, in the first round at pick No. 13.

Initially, it looked as if Sean McVay wasn't a fan of the pick. He explained it away as him being "grumpy," but it's hard not to feel as if McVay wasn't fully on board.

However, one anonymous NFL player presented an interesting theory as to why this pick was made. According to Fox Sports' Eric Williams, one NFL player speculated the Rams took Simpson to try to keep McVay around after Matthew Stafford retires.

Rams might've made Simpson pick for McVay despite initial reaction

"The McVay angle is interesting," an anonymous NFL player said, "because if he is not planning on sticking around, this is essentially a pick for the next head coach. But maybe this is a way to get him excited about staying and not riding off into the sunset with Matthew Stafford."

This is purely speculation from this anonymous NFL player, but it's some interesting speculation nonetheless.

McVay has considered retirement before in his coaching career, but hung around, and with the team in great shape, he doesn't look likely to leave anytime soon.

That is, until there is some major uncertainty at the QB position. McVay might not want to go through a full rebuild, and could very easily step away early once Stafford is gone.

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