TY Simpson made an immediate impression in his first NFL preseason appearance, giving Los Angeles Rams fans plenty to be excited about after a standout performance against the Kansas City Chiefs. The rookie quarterback completed 21 of 25 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns while avoiding both interceptions and sacks.
The performance offered an early glimpse of why the Rams selected Simpson with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Although it was only a preseason game, his accuracy, mobility, decision-making and command of the offense stood out during three quarters of action.
Who Is TY Simpson?
TY Simpson is a rookie quarterback who joined the Los Angeles Rams after being selected 13th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. He entered the NFL with significant expectations after developing his reputation as an accurate passer at Alabama.
The Rams viewed Simpson as more than simply a developmental quarterback. With veteran Matthew Stafford still leading the team, Los Angeles has an opportunity to develop Simpson behind an experienced starter while preparing for the future.
His preseason debut strengthened the belief that the Rams may have found their long-term quarterback.
TY Simpson Rams Debut
Simpson made his Rams debut against the Chiefs on Saturday and played three quarters. He entered the game after Stetson Bennett handled the Rams’ first two drives.
Once Simpson took over, he quickly settled into the offense. He completed 21 of 25 attempts, an impressive 84 percent completion rate, for 190 yards and two touchdowns.
His two touchdown passes went to running back Dean Connors. One score came on a short screen, while the second was a more difficult throw into a tight window.
Simpson also showed the ability to throw accurately while moving outside the pocket. The Rams frequently used rollouts and play-action concepts, allowing the rookie to use his athleticism and throwing ability on the move.
TY Simpson Stats vs. Chiefs
Here are TY Simpson’s key stats from his first NFL preseason appearance:
- Completions: 21
- Attempts: 25
- Completion percentage: 84%
- Passing yards: 190
- Passing touchdowns: 2
- Interceptions: 0
- Passer rating: 125
- Rushing yards: 0
- Sacks: 0
The numbers were particularly impressive because Simpson played three quarters and consistently protected the football.
His 84 percent completion rate demonstrated the accuracy that was one of his defining strengths in college.
What Made Simpson’s Performance Stand Out?
Simpson’s performance was not simply about the final statistics. His overall command of the Rams offense was encouraging.
He generally took what the defense gave him instead of forcing throws. Rams coach Sean McVay praised Simpson’s ability to read the defense and use his feet to work through plays.
McVay also highlighted Simpson’s ability to keep the ball in play and make smart decisions when his primary target was unavailable.
There were still some opportunities for improvement. McVay pointed to a third-down situation involving tight end Max Klare as an example of a play where Simpson could potentially have progressed further through his reads.
For a rookie making his first NFL appearance, however, the overall performance was highly encouraging.
TY Simpson College Career
Before entering the NFL, Simpson played college football at Alabama. His time with the Crimson Tide helped establish him as a quarterback with strong accuracy, mobility and passing instincts.
His ability to consistently place the football was one of the traits that attracted NFL evaluators. That skill was visible again during his Rams debut, particularly when he began pushing the ball farther down the field as the game progressed.
The transition from Alabama to the NFL will obviously require additional development, but his first preseason appearance suggested that he is capable of adapting to the professional game.
TY Simpson Draft
The Los Angeles Rams selected TY Simpson with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
He was one of only two quarterbacks selected in the first round that year. Fernando Mendoza was selected No. 1 overall by the Las Vegas Raiders, while Simpson became the 13th overall selection.
The Rams’ decision to invest a high first-round pick in Simpson reflected the organization’s belief in his long-term potential.
Rather than immediately placing him under pressure to become the starter, Los Angeles can allow him to learn behind Matthew Stafford and develop within Sean McVay’s offensive system.
TY Simpson and Matthew Stafford
Matthew Stafford remains the Rams’ veteran quarterback and is expected to be the team’s starter.
That makes Simpson’s immediate role primarily developmental. However, his preseason performance also demonstrated why having a capable young quarterback is valuable.
The Rams have a 17-game regular season ahead, and quarterback injuries can dramatically change a team’s outlook. If Stafford were forced to miss time, Simpson could potentially become an important option for Los Angeles.
McVay’s comments also suggested that the coaching staff wants Simpson to continue learning rather than placing unnecessary pressure on him.
TY Simpson Rams Role
For now, Simpson is expected to develop behind Stafford and compete with Stetson Bennett for a prominent backup role.
Bennett currently provides another option on the depth chart, but Simpson’s impressive debut could increase attention on the rookie as the preseason continues.
The Rams also have a longer-term reason for developing Simpson. Stafford’s future will eventually become a major consideration for the organization, making a young quarterback with first-round talent particularly valuable.
Simpson could therefore have two different paths to significance: becoming an immediate insurance option behind Stafford or eventually competing to become the Rams’ next franchise quarterback.
TY Simpson Contract
Because Simpson was selected 13th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, his rookie contract is governed by the NFL’s rookie wage-scale system.
The exact contract value, signing bonus and guaranteed money should be confirmed through official contract reporting before quoting a final figure. His first-round selection means his rookie deal is expected to be substantially larger than contracts given to later-round selections.
His performance in the preseason does not change the basic structure of his rookie contract, but strong play could increase his importance within the Rams’ long-term plans.
TY Simpson’s NFL Future
Simpson’s first preseason game does not guarantee future success, but it provided an encouraging starting point.
He showed accuracy, mobility, composure and an ability to operate the offense without committing a turnover. Most importantly, he appeared comfortable as the game progressed.
The Rams will want to see whether he can reproduce those traits against different defensive schemes and stronger competition.
For now, the organization can afford to be patient. Stafford gives Los Angeles an established veteran starter, while Simpson has time to learn the offense and adjust to the speed of the NFL.
Final Takeaway
TY Simpson’s Rams debut was one of the most encouraging performances of the preseason for Los Angeles. The rookie completed 21 of 25 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns, earning an impressive 125 passer rating without throwing an interception or taking a sack.
His performance offered an early explanation for why the Rams made him the No. 13 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
With Matthew Stafford ahead of him, Simpson is not expected to carry the Rams immediately. Instead, he has an opportunity to learn from one of the league’s veteran quarterbacks while developing under Sean McVay.
If his preseason debut is an indication of what is coming, the Rams may have found an intriguing quarterback for both the present and the future.
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