Entering 2026, backup quarterback Stetson Bennett couldn’t be in a better position. Despite the selection of Ty Simpson by the Los Angeles Rams, Bennett’s future with the franchise remains as bright as ever. While one would think the selection of Simpson has eliminated any chance for Bennett to start during the regular season, the reality is that Bennett was never going to get that opportunity anyway.
Bennett is likely a career backup. The thing is, he still possesses some of that magic that won Georgia two National Championships, as he made evident in the last two preseasons. If this were last season, Bennett would have needed Matthew Stafford and Jimmy Garoppolo to suffer injuries in order to come into a game. However, Simpson isn’t the guaranteed No. 2 quarterback behind Stafford.
The McVay offense is a complex system to learn. Simpson is a smart player but he’s also human. Bennett has been in the system and has had real game experience in McVay’s offense – albeit in the preseason. There’s no reason to say that Simpson is the automatic backup. McVay said after the draft that Simpson will have to compete with Bennett to earn the No. 2 spot.
Even if Simpson is, there’s a clear succession plan, and the best plans come with an insurance policy. Bennett is the perfect QB3, and he could be a Ryan Fitzpatrick-like backup for the remainder of his career. Who’s to say Bennett couldn’t be a long-term backup to Simpson?
The only reason Garoppolo isn’t on the roster is that he’s considering retirement. The Rams love stability. Bennett brings that. Despite changes, Bennett’s professional future remains as bright as ever.
If he puts together a third straight offseason of growth, he’s going to attract a lot of interest across the league.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Stetson Bennett’s future is bright as ever despite Rams drafting Ty Simpson
Reporting by Brock Vierra, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
