May 20, 2026, 5:00 AM CUT

Sean McVay Explains Why Rams Drafted Matthew Stafford's Replacement

CHARLOTTE, NC - JANUARY 10: Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford 9 throws a pass during the NFC Wildcard playoff game against the Carolina Panthers on January 10, 2026 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JAN 10 NFC Wildcard Rams at Panthers EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon573260110013

The Los Angeles Rams still have Matthew Stafford leading them, but head coach Sean McVay opened up about the team’s long-term plans at the quarterback position.

During an appearance at Bussin' With The Boys, McVay revealed the reason for drafting Ty Simpson in the first round while also talking about his current QB.

“I also know that he’s earned the right to be able to walk away whenever he wants to," McVay said, talking about Stafford. "When you’re going into year 18, even though he had this incredible year last year, we’ve got to also be mindful that we are so lucky to have him doing his thing.”

LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 26: Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford 9 and head coach Sean McVay talk on the field during the teamÕs training camp at Loyola Marymount University on July 26, 2024 in Los Angeles, CA. Photo by Brandon Sloter/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JUL 26 Rams Training Camp EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon240726072

Stafford has built an impactful career through leadership, consistency, and good performances. He led the Rams to Super Bowl victory in the 2021 season, and in 2025 got an NFL MVP award after recording 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns.

“But if he said at the end of next year, this is it for me, he’s earned the right to do that," McVay continued. "For us, we're looking at it and saying, okay, if there is an opportunity at 13...But you project this guy to whenever Matthew decides potentially be a starting caliber quarterback,” HC continued.

By getting Simpson with the 13th overall pick, the Rams got a player who has developed a strong understanding of the game early and became known for reading defenses quickly.

While preparing for the future with Simpson, McVay reflected on the personal struggles that nearly pushed him away from coaching.

Sean McVay Reveals Why He Almost Left Coaching Behind

At one point, Sean McVay seriously considered stepping away from coaching during one of the toughest seasons of his career.

On the same podcast, the Rams' head coach discussed the emotional pressure he faced during the team’s disappointing 5-12 season in 2022.

“I almost quit coaching, and you can use the narrative that I was gonna go to media or whatever. But the truth would have been, I was quitting. I couldn't handle the losing," McVay said.

However, McVay later explained that a conversation with his wife, Veronika, changed his perspective.

"She was like, 'You know, that never really sounded like the leader you wanted to be.' And I was like 'boom.' It hit me like a ton of bricks,” He added.

Since that difficult season, McVay has guided the Rams to three straight playoff appearances, including an NFC Championship Game run in 2025.

What are your thoughts on Stafford's replacement? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Shreya Mishra

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore