Reigning MVP Matthew Stafford isn't holding any grudges against the Los Angeles Rams for selecting quarterback Ty Simpson with their first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
"Listen, I'm not 25 years old, and I get that," Stafford said Thursday, according to The Athletic's Nate Atkins. "We're doing everything we can to be as good a football team as we can for now, for the future, for all of it."
Though Stafford said he wasn't blindsided by L.A. drafting Simpson at No. 13 overall, many were surprised the team passed on selecting an immediate-impact player to support the 38-year-old quarterback.
General manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay maintained a muted tone during their press conference after Day 1 of the draft, later clarifying that their demeanor was out of respect for Stafford.
The Rams have assured the three-time Pro Bowler that this is his team until he decides to retire, per Atkins. Stafford signed a one-year contract extension in May that keeps him tied to the club through the 2027 season, but it's unclear if he'll play past this upcoming campaign.
"I think my job, first and foremost, is just to get myself and our team ready to play as best I possibly can," Stafford said. "(Simpson) is a part of that team. "There's no question about it: We're in a unique position in the fact that we play the same position. I have a ton of experience, and he's just now starting his journey as an NFL player."
Stafford added that Simpson can greatly benefit from watching both himself and backup Stetson Bennett while "soaking up as much coaching as possible."
Despite a degenerative back issue keeping him on the sidelines for most of last year's training camp, Stafford led the NFL with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns in 2025. He also guided the Rams to a 12-5 record and an appearance in the NFC Championship Game, where they ultimately lost to the Seattle Seahawks.
Stafford acknowledged that he's grateful to be entering his 18th NFL season healthy but said he isn't keen to look past this upcoming year when it comes to his future.
"I can't sit there and tell you what it's going to look like 365 days from now," Stafford said. "If you can, let me know. I'm doing the best I can to make sure that I can play as long as I can and make sure that my family and I are all on the same page before we embark on whatever season it may be."
