One of the narratives surrounding the Los Angeles Rams entering the 2026 NFL Draft that did not get discussed in the same way as others was the looming situation over their backup quarterback position. Jimmy Garoppolo looked to be a shoo-in after negotiations with the Arizona Cardinals failed. That was until Garoppolo began to contemplate retirement.
The Rams expressed interest in Joe Flacco and Kirk Cousins, but both took better roles with other teams. That would lead to the Rams drafting Ty Simpson, and if Simpson has to play, there doesn’t seem to be an expectation that he’s in a position to produce instantly.
With the expectation that Simpson will be the team’s backup in 2026, despite Simpson still needing to earn the job over Stetson Bennett, Sports Illustrated’s Gilberto Manzano ranked Simpson as the 23rd best backup in the NFL.
Simpson is ranked much lower than fellow 2026 first-rounder Fernando Mendoza, who will appear later on this list, partly because it’s going to take him longer to be a starting-caliber quarterback in the NFL due to only 15 collegiate starts. However, it helps that Simpson, this year’s No. 13 pick, will be developed by offensive mastermind Sean McVay and has Puka Nacua and Davante Adams as targets.
Also, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Simpson appears on the initial 53-man roster as QB3 behind Stetson Bennett and Matthew Stafford. But the team would likely lean on Simpson’s upside over Bennett, the 2023 fourth-round pick, if Stafford were to miss time in the regular season.
Mendoza was ranked fifth. Simpson’s ranking has him as the worst backup in the NFC West, as the Rams’ three rivals employ top veterans to back up their starters. San Francisco 49ers’ Mac Jones was ranked second, Arizona Cardinals’ Gardner Minshew was ranked 14th, and Seattle Seahawks’ Drew Lock was ranked 17th.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams’ Ty Simpson ranked among worst backup QBs for 2026
Reporting by Brock Vierra, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Brock Vierra, Rams Wire | USA TODAY Network
