The Los Angeles Rams could be considering Stetson Bennett as the primary backup as Jimmy Garoppolo's future in the league hangs in the balance.
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay suggested that veteran quarterback Stetson Bennett could be a reliable backup option.
McVay and general manager Les Snead spoke to the media on Tuesday for their pre-draft meetings. The 40-year-old head coach expressed confidence in the 28-year-old as a potential backup option.
"I think Stetson is considered a backup," McVay said. "We drafted him a handful of years ago. We've just been really fortunate, and you guys know, I think Stetson has gotten better and better."
Bennett will enter his fifth season in 2026, all with the Rams. Los Angeles used a fourth-round pick on him in 2022; however, they have yet to slot him as a legitimate backup for the Rams.
The Rams have very little quarterback worries heading into the 2026 season. Matthew Stafford is set to enter his sixth season as the signal caller for the Rams and is coming off his best season yet.
Stafford won his first-ever MVP award last season, and the expectation is that he will continue his phenomenal play this fall. While that is the case, the Rams lack a reliable backup option in case, for one reason or another, Stafford misses time on the field.
As things stand, the Rams don't have a clear-cut backup behind Stafford, which remains one of the biggest concerns on offense as the offseason continues.
The Rams are likely working to address that, but it may not be as pressing as it seems, given that they still have Bennett on the roster.
That could all change for Bennett and the Rams in 2026 if they decide to make him QB2. If the Rams were to go that route, McVay would presumably welcome that.
While the questions about talent are there, Bennett has the edge compared to other quarterbacks they may be eyeing as a backup. For starters, the former Georgia Bulldog champion is familiar with McVay's system, his timing and anticipation traits fit the offense, and he has mobility to extend plays.
However, there are cons to relying on Bennett, even as a QB2. There are question marks like being unproven in real NFL action, lacking high-end arm talent and ultimately, he may never be trusted as a full-time backup to this point.
While McVay expressed confidence in Bennett, the Rams may still need to add another quarterback if Jimmy Garoppolo is not an option.
Los Angeles cannot afford a major drop-off at quarterback, and they would need someone who can start multiple games if necessary. As of now, Bennett is not that quarterback.
In the future, Bennett could be that, but given the Rams' championship window, it wouldn't be smart to solely rely on him in that position.