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By Matthew Davis
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The Los Angeles Rams signed quarterback and No. 13 overall draft pick Ty Simpson at last.
A surprising selection for the Rams, Los Angeles is paying Simpson a four-year $25.4 million fully-guaranteed contract, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on Saturday. Rapoport also noted that Simpson, the former Alabama star, gets a $14.9 million signing bonus.
Los Angeles already has an MVP quarterback in Matthew Stafford, after he threw for 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns versus eight interceptions last year. Stafford also took the Rams to the edge of the Super Bowl in an NFC Championship Game loss against the Seattle Seahawks.
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However, Stafford is 38 years old, so he is in the twilight of his career. It was perfect timing for the Rams to snag a quarterback of Simpson's stature and potential to develop in preparation for the day Stafford isn't the Rams quarterback.
Los Angeles buys time to develop Simpson for at least three years while Stafford is under contract, if the longtime veteran plays the long. The system of developing a first-round quarterback behind a proven veteran has worked before, and Rams head coach Sean McVay and the front office are wise to do it.
It's also not a cause for drama, as the Rams informed Stafford ahead of time about the Simpson pick. Simpson brings a lot to the table as a strong pocket passer with good accuracy.
He will have time to learn McVay's system and learn from Stafford, which will only benefit the Rams in the long run. Simpson's weaknesses, such as his deep ball, are fixable, though his size at 6-foot-1 will be an ongoing concern until he proves otherwise.
Simpson threw for 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns versus five interceptions last year for the Crimson Tide in his lone year as a starter. He will get reps with the Rams in the preseason this year and possibly more if the opportunity arises during the regular season.
Regardless of how much he plays this year, the good news for the Rams is that there's likely ample time to prove that Simpson is worth the $25.4 million investment.
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