General manager Les Snead insisted he's on the same page as head coach Sean McVay after the Los Angeles Rams drafted quarterback Ty Simpson 13th overall Thursday.
In the Rams' post-draft press conference, the coach seemed unenthusiastic, gave brief responses, and declined to go into detail regarding what he discussed on the draft call with Simpson. McVay's demeanor led to speculation that he was at odds with Snead over drafting the quarterback.
"Sean and I are going to always work together in these types of decisions. ... But there was a lot that was going on into maneuvering that draft," Snead told "The Sedano & Kap Morning Show" on Friday. "We're in lockstep. We work together. We're collaborative. It's him and I partnering to try to do the best for the Rams."
The Rams' decision to select Simpson attracted plenty of scrutiny. Last season, quarterback Matthew Stafford produced an MVP campaign and led the team to the NFC Championship Game. McVay said in March that the 38-year-old has earned the right to evaluate whether to continue his playing career on an annual basis. However, the team and Stafford have reportedly made significant strides toward an extension agreement.
Within the organization, some people believe McVay may have muted his excitement in order to emphasize his confidence in Stafford, sources told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
McVay made it clear that Stafford remains the Rams' starter and said Simpson will have to compete with Stetson Bennett for the Rams' backup job.
"Let's make one thing clear: This is Matthew's team. ... We're always going to make decisions that we think are best for the short- and the long-term. But we'll be excited to be able to get to work with (Simpson)," McVay said Thursday evening, per NFL on ESPN.
Snead confirmed that the Rams informed Stafford they might select a quarterback with their top pick. The GM also stated that there's no timeline for when Simpson will see the field, adding that it's "better for everyone involved" if Stafford is playing.
