Blockbuster trade makes Rams drafting Ty Simpson make more sense

The Los Angeles Rams and the Cleveland Browns have agreed to execute a blockbuster trade by sending reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett to the Rams for Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick and a 2029 third-round pick.

This trade comes after the Rams drafted Ty Simpson in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. It was one of the most surprising moments of the draft when Simpson was selected with the No. 13 overall pick.

The Rams’ decision to trade for Garrett shows what Los Angeles’ intentions are for this upcoming season and beyond. It is Super Bowl or bust for the franchise for the foreseeable future, and the Rams have no desire to have an opportunity to draft a first-round quarterback in the next few years with Matthew Stafford at quarterback. Stafford, who is the reigning NFL MVP, recently agreed to a contract extension that will have him suiting up for the Rams through 2027.

Fortunately for Simpson, Stafford plans to take the rookie under his wing.

“I’m in there with him in the meeting room, on the practice field, trying to share as much knowledge as I can,” Stafford said on “the Pat McAfee Show.” “I was a big fan of Ty when he was playing at Alabama. I sent him a text after he got drafted and said really enjoyed watching you play, just you were in the wrong jersey, you weren’t a Dawg. I did enjoy watching him play. He’s a talented kid. I’m going to do everything I can to get this team ready to play, to win, but at the same time share some of the knowledge that I’ve gained throughout my career because I wouldn’t be in the seat that I am right now talking to you guys after a really good football season if I didn’t have people that were helping me out along the way too. I’m happy to do that. But he’s been a sponge, man. He’s looking to get better. And really, that’s everybody on our team, all the young guys that we picked.”