How Ty Simpson Led to Rams' Shocking Myles Garrett Trade With Browns After NFL Draft

The Los Angeles Rams were operating on levels nobody even considered when they reached for quarterback Ty Simpson in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft.

The choice left a lot of people scratching their heads as L.A. still has Matthew Stafford, and the 13th pick was at the upper end of Simpson's range.

Beyond putting a succession plan for Stafford in place, though, The MMQB's Albert Breer reported the Rams are hoping that Simpson pans out and eliminates the need to invest future draft capital into the QB room:

"Then, the move to take Ty Simpson with the 13th pick—seen by many as a move that wouldn't help Matthew Stafford in the here and now—actually was viewed internally as one that gave the Rams the flexibility they needed to help Stafford get another ring in the most profound way possible. With their next quarterback in the fold, the team could afford to be more creative to find a way to add another massive piece because they wouldn't need to worry about spending a first-rounder in 2027 or 2028 on Stafford's replacement."

Grading Ty Simpson Pick

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General manager Les Snead executed the second part of that plan Monday. Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero and Adam Schefter reported for ESPN the Rams are sending linebacker Jared Verse and draft picks (2027 first-rounder, 2028 second-rounder and 2029 third-rounder) to the Cleveland Browns for reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett.

Fox Sports' Jay Glazer added:

It's easier now to see the grand vision behind targeting Simpson, but acquiring Garrett means L.A. is painting itself into a bigger corner.

If Simpson ultimately isn't the right candidate to take over for Stafford when the time comes, Snead will be without some valuable assets that would help him pivot to another option.