Ty Simpson already in better spot than Jared Goff ever was

TL;DR

Ty Simpson joins the Los Angeles Rams with a more stable environment than Jared Goff had, allowing him time to develop behind Matthew Stafford. Unlike Goff, who faced immediate pressure as a starter, Simpson can learn in a winning culture.

Key points

Ty Simpson joins the Rams in a more stable environment than Jared Goff.
Simpson will compete for the backup spot behind Matthew Stafford.
Goff faced immediate pressure as a starter, while Simpson has time to develop.
The Rams are considered Super Bowl favorites, aiding Simpson's development.
The front office believes in Simpson's potential for the future.

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Los Angeles

Los Angeles RamsTy SimpsonJared GoffMatthew Stafford

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 23: Ty Simpson of Alabama arrives prior to the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images New Los Angeles Rams quarterback Ty Simpson comes in with question marks, but he will not follow in Jared Goff’s footsteps. Simpson is stepping into a more stable environment, putting him in a better position to succeed long-term in Hollywood than Goff ever had. The last two times the Rams have selected an offensive player in the first round have been quarterbacks. In fact, the team has drafted four signal callers in the first round since Heisman Trophy winner Terry Baker was made the top overall pick in the 1963 draft. The franchise has also selected three first round QBs this century alone, and maybe the third time will be the charm for Simpson. Simpson will not be expected to start right away, as he’ll be competing for the backup spot behind Matthew Stafford. As long as Stafford remains healthy, there will be absolutely no rush or pressure to give him playing time. That was not the case for Goff, who was anticipated as being the immediate starter to begin his career, only to be forced to wait, creating instant pressure. The coaching staff did him zero favors as he struggled through his rookie campaign on a terrible team, finishing 0-7 as a starter. Sean McVay coming in ahead of his second season essentially saved his career. What’s different in the Rams’ situation in 2016 compared to 2026 is that they DESERVED that first overall pick. Well, okay, they traded up to that spot, but it was a move made to stay relevant in a crowded sports scene, but they still weren’t a very good team at that time anyway. Currently, L.A. is a few months removed from an NFC Championship appearance, only picking in the top 15 after trading with the Falcons in last year’s draft. The Rams are considered a heavy Super Bowl favorite, so that should buy Simpson enough time to learn the system under a head coach not under the hot seat, as Jeff Fisher was for Goff. Simpson will eventually be asked to do more by keeping the franchise relevant after Matthew Stafford retires. Goff was only tasked with getting the Rams back to the playoffs and succeeded there, even getting them to the big game, until he showed his limitations as a quarterback. Clearly, the front office believes in the Alabama product, and that belief is why they chose him. Take this from ESPN’s Bill Barnwell on Tuesday:

Q&A

How does Ty Simpson's situation with the Rams differ from Jared Goff's?

Ty Simpson enters a more stable environment with less immediate pressure compared to Jared Goff, who was expected to start right away and struggled during his rookie season.

What are the Rams' expectations for Ty Simpson in the 2026 NFL season?

The Rams expect Simpson to compete for the backup quarterback position behind Matthew Stafford, allowing him time to develop without the pressure of starting immediately.

What factors contribute to Ty Simpson's potential success with the Rams?

Simpson benefits from a winning culture, a supportive coaching staff, and the absence of immediate starting pressure, which were challenges faced by Goff during his early career.

Why did the Rams choose Ty Simpson in the 2026 NFL Draft?

The Rams selected Ty Simpson to ensure they have a quarterback who can maintain their competitiveness after Matthew Stafford's retirement, reflecting the front office's belief in his potential.