Rams Drafted Ty Simpson to Avoid Facing Him on Cardinals, New NFL Rumors Reveal

The Los Angeles Rams selected quarterback Ty Simpson with the No. 13 pick of the 2026 NFL draft in part to stop him from going to a division rival, The Athletic's Nate Atkins reported Wednesday.

According to Atkins, the Rams believed the Arizona Cardinals "had heavy interest" in drafting Simpson at No. 34.

"They could either lock in Simpson as their future or risk facing him twice a year within the NFC West," Atkins reported.

Atkins added: "The Rams were prepared enough to draft and stash Simpson that they planned to do so even if Jimmy Garoppolo re-signed as their backup, a team source said."

Rams head coach Sean McVay said Friday he wouldn't say the door was "completely closed" on Garoppolo's return, but that the selection of Simpson "probably lessens the level of urgency for that position," per NBC Sports' Mike Florio.

Simpson said immediately after he was drafted that he had no idea the Rams were going to draft him, although he told ESPN Radio's Ian Fitzsimmons on Monday he had known, and been asked to keep quiet, about the team's interest.

Rams general manager Les Snead said in a Tuesday appearance on ESPN's Pat McAfee Show the team's request for Simpson not to broadcast their interest was in part to prevent opponents from jumping up in the draft to get him.

"You never know who's lurking from behind... there's a little strategy there," Snead told McAfee.

Snead also told McAfee part of the reason the Rams decided to target Simpson was because the team believed they wouldn't be able to snag any of the top prospects at cornerback at No. 13.

The Rams instead traded a package including the No. 29 pick in order to acquire, and then extend, veteran cornerback Trent McDuffie from the Los Angeles Rams.

The Cardinals, who ultimately selected Miami's Carson Beck in the third round, appear in greater immediate need for a quarterback as the franchise heads into the 2026 season with presumptive starter Jacoby Brissett on an expiring contract.

B/R NFL scouts gave the Rams an overall C draft grade while expressing doubt about the franchise's decision to build for the future rather than using the top-13 pick to acquire a player who can help star quarterback Matthew Stafford win in 2026.

The Rams will hope that McDuffie proves to be that win-now difference-maker while Simpson works on developing as Stafford's potential future successor.