Los Angeles Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett has yet to start his first NFL game, backing up Matthew Stafford as the third-string. Unfortunately, with the Rams drafting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson in the first round in the 2026 NFL draft, Bennett faces stiffer competition for the top backup spot, potentially with his roster spot on the line.
Fast forward to minicamp, and Bennett has provided good competition for Simpson. According to Nate Atkins of the Athletic, neither of them has separated themselves from the backup role to Matthew Stafford. With Jimmy Garoppolo leading towards retirement, the role is open to either Bennett or Simpson.
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According to Atkins, the Rams view the backup QB role as a significant need behind Stafford. The 38-year-old Stafford could be retiring in a few seasons, even if he won MVP this past season. That means that Simpson or Bennett could earn the starting job once Stafford hangs up the cleats.
With the draft capital the Rams spent on Simpson, he’s more than likely the future starter. That leaves Bennett in an uphill battle, but Bennett has had three seasons in the system. The Rams drafted him in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL draft, and Bennett started in a few preseason games over the years, with mixed results.
Similar to Georgia, Bennett will have to win against a highly-touted quarterback again. He had to do this against former five-star quarterback JT Daniels, who originally took the job from him in 2020. Daniels started 2021 with the job, but he suffered an oblique injury, giving way for Bennett to start the rest of the season.
Bennett didn’t look back, leading the Georgia Bulldogs to back-to-back championships in 2021 and 2022. Overall, he finished with 8,429 passing yards, 66 touchdowns, and just 21 interceptions in his four-year career in Georgia. Hopefully, he can write the same narrative with the Rams.
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This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Stetson Bennett without separation in backup QB competition
