Rams reportedly could've made bold Ty Simpson decision with 29th pick if not for trade originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Rams are coming into the 2026 NFL Draft with a fantastic selection at No. 13 overall, and another pick down the board at 61st overall.
But, they originally owned the 29th pick as well. They sent that selection, their original first-rounder, to the Kansas City Chiefs for Trent McDuffie.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, had they not made such a trade, the Rams reportedly would've considered making a very bold Ty Simpson decision in the NFL Draft.
"Had the Rams not traded for McDuffie and held onto No. 29, sources say that Simpson would have been square in the conversations to land in Los Angeles behind Matthew Stafford," Schefter writes.
This is a very fascinating update for the Rams draft interest. While they're planning to go all-in for the 2026 season, this interest likely would've meant they would be eyeing the future as well.
If they took Simpson with the 29th pick of the first round, they would've been looking to plan for the future at the quarterback position after Stafford retires with a very valuable resource in a first-rounder.
More: Puka Nacua, Byron Young, other 2023 draft picks expected to be extended by Rams
The Rams going Simpson no longer seems feasible, however. According to Schefter, "League sources say the Rams had been eyeing him, but more so with the No. 29 pick than No. 13, which they still hold."
If Simpson isn't the pick at No. 13, and the Rams don't make a pick again until 61st overall, the chances they will be able to draft the Alabama quarterback are incredibly slim.
This report indicates there was clear interest, and they might look to find a way to still take him if he falls a bit into Round 2. But, barring such a surprise draft slide, Simpson doesn't look likely to join the Rams this offseason.
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