When the Los Angeles Rams drafted Ty Simpson 13th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, they did not ask him to replace Matthew Stafford immediately. They told him to learn, grow, and compete. And yet here we are less than two months removed from draft night already debating why no one has been named Stafford's backup. So when news from The Athletic’s Nate Atkins comes out, saying neither quarterback has been able to stand out ahead of the other. It raises the question: what is either one supposed to do to stand out from the other?
Head coach Sean McVaycanceled minicamp entirely, meaning the next time either Simpson or Bennett takes a meaningful snap will be when training camp opens in July.
Competition for QB2 begins fully in July
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Yes, Sean McVay had kind words for Bennett coming out of OTAs, praising his "tremendous growth" and noting that he has done a nice job earning the confidence of his teammates and commanding the huddle. That is very high praise for Bennett, who enters the final year of his rookie contract with something to prove. But let's pump the brakes before we turn a coach's positive reinforcement into a QB2 declaration.
If you need to give anyone an edge right now, give it to Bennett. For one reason only, and that’s because he has been in this organization since 2023. But three years in the building with zero regular season appearances is not the same as proven NFL production. Experience in the preseason only goes so far.
Simpson was never drafted to win a backup competition in May OTAs. He was brought here to sit next to a reigning MVP in Matthew Stafford and absorb everything the future Hall of Famer can teach him. Then use that to develop him into the long-term answer at quarterback for the Rams.
Judging that process before a single training camp practice has taken place is kind of impatient.
The Rams QB2 battle is still a legitimate conversation. It just doesn't start until August, when the pads go on and the preseason games kick off. Then we will actually have something to evaluate. Until then, let the process work.
