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The Rams just drafted a quarterback and then signed another one right after

LA isn't putting all its hopes on one rookie, grabbing a second QB as a free agent just hours after the draft ended

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Zwely News Staff

Shared Newsroom

April 26, 2026 4:16 AM 3 min read
The Rams just drafted a quarterback and then signed another one right after

At a glance

What matters most

  • The Rams drafted Alabama's Ty Simpson in the first round and immediately signed another quarterback as an undrafted free agent
  • Carolina brought in a dual-threat college QB with over 11,000 total yards to support Bryce Young
  • The Rams remain Super Bowl favorites in early odds, while the Cowboys and Bengals saw their chances improve after the draft
  • Jets rookie Kenyon Sadiq thought his draft call was a prank after seeing Shedeur Sanders fooled on live TV

Across the spectrum

What people are saying

A quick look at how the same story is being framed from different angles.

On the Left

The Rams' decision to draft and sign two quarterbacks shows smart long-term planning, especially in a league where developing young talent takes time. Investing in depth rather than rushing one player into a high-pressure role reflects a more thoughtful, player-centered approach to team building.

In the Center

Signing multiple quarterbacks after the draft is a common strategy-it gives teams flexibility and competition. The Rams and Panthers aren't betting everything on one rookie, which makes sense given how unpredictable quarterback development can be.

On the Right

The Rams doubling down at QB right after the draft shows they're serious about winning now. While some teams hesitate, LA is stacking talent and sending a message: they're all-in on building a championship-caliber roster around strong quarterback options.

Full coverage

What you should know

The Los Angeles Rams didn't wait around to build their quarterback room. After selecting Alabama's Ty Simpson with a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, they moved fast to sign another quarterback as an undrafted free agent. The quick double move shows the team isn't relying on just one rookie to carry the future-they're stacking options.

Simpson, known for his poise and arm strength during his time with the Crimson Tide, is expected to compete for a starting role down the line. But by adding a second QB immediately after the draft, the Rams are giving themselves flexibility. Coaches can take their time developing both players without rushing anyone into action.

They weren't the only team focused on quarterback depth. The Carolina Panthers signed a standout dual-threat college quarterback-credited with over 11,000 total yards in his collegiate career-to serve as Bryce Young's new backup. The move gives Carolina a reliable insurance policy and someone who can push Young in practice.

Meanwhile, betting markets are already reacting to the draft outcomes. According to updated Super Bowl 61 odds, the Rams remain the favorites to win it all, a sign that analysts believe their draft strategy strengthens an already competitive roster. The Dallas Cowboys and Cincinnati Bengals also saw their odds improve, thanks to strong selections that filled key needs.

On a lighter note, New York Jets first-round pick Kenyon Sadiq admitted he was skeptical when he got the call from the team. After watching fellow prospect Shedeur Sanders get pranked with a fake draft call earlier in the week, Sadiq said he was half-convinced it wasn't real. "I saw what happened to Shedeur," he said. "For a second, I thought I was next."

The 2026 draft has wrapped, but the roster moves keep coming. Teams are balancing long-term development with immediate needs, and nowhere is that clearer than at quarterback. With young arms being added across the league, the next few seasons could bring a wave of new talent to the field.

For now, all eyes are on how these rookies adjust. Whether it's Simpson in Los Angeles, the Panthers' new backup, or Sadiq in New York, the pressure starts now-even if the first snap is still months away.

About this author

Zwely News Staff compiles multi-source reporting into concise, viewpoint-aware coverage for readers who want context without noise.

Source Notes

Center Newsweek Apr 26, 12:41 AM

Rams Add Second QB Immediately After 2026 NFL Draft

After drafting Alabama's Ty Simpson in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL draft, the Rams added another QB as an undrafted free agent.

Center Newsweek Apr 25, 11:51 PM

Panthers Sign 11,000-Yard QB to Backup Bryce Young

Immediately after the 2026 NFL Draft, the Panthers signed one of the top dual-threat college QBs as Bryce Young's new backup.

Right New York Post Apr 25, 10:03 PM

Kenyon Sadiq seeing Shedeur Sanders get pranked caused ‘fear’ when Jets made NFL draft call

Jets first-round pick Kenyon Sadiq thought it might be a prank when he got the phone call from the Jets on Thursday night that they were drafting him.

Right New York Post Apr 25, 8:00 PM

Super Bowl odds: Rams remain favorites while Cowboys and Bengals jump after 2026 NFL Draft

Now that the 2026 NFL Draft is complete, we have a better look at who oddsmakers are favoring to win Super Bowl 61.

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