Los Angeles Rams backup quarterback Stetson Bennett IV’s journey through football has been anything but conventional. From walk-on at Georgia, a detour to junior college, and ultimately leading the Bulldogs to back-to-back College Football Playoff national championships, Bennett’s college career was marked by resilience and remarkable success. He remains the only starting quarterback in the CFP era to win two national titles, a feat etched into Georgia lore and celebrated in front of thousands at SoFi Stadium.
Yet, Bennett’s NFL path has proven far more challenging. Selected in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams, Bennett’s rookie season was derailed by an injury and a personal matter that sidelined him from active play. He has yet to appear in a regular-season game, largely due to the presence of established veterans Matthew Stafford and Jimmy Garoppolo ahead of him on the depth chart.
Should The Los Angeles Rams Start Looking For Stetson Bennett Trade Partners?
Moe Moton of Bleacher Report recently encapsulated Bennett’s position:
“Stetson Bennett IV has experienced a rocky start to his NFL career. Coming out of Georgia as a fourth-round pick in 2023, he dealt with an injury and a personal matter that kept him away from the team in his first year. In 2024, the Rams signed Jimmy Garoppolo, and Bennett was their third-string quarterback. Los Angeles has yet to dress Bennett for a regular-season game.
“Even though Matthew Stafford’s back issue raises the probability of a backup seeing action this year, the coaching staff would likely turn to Garoppolo, who’s far more experienced than Bennett, for fill-in duty. Stafford is under contract for only two more years. The Rams have two 2026 first-round picks, which may allow them to draft his replacement. Bennett probably doesn’t have a future with the club, but he could draw outside interest by playing well in the preseason.”
The reality is that Bennett is entering his third NFL season still searching for a meaningful opportunity to prove himself on the field. While his preseason performances in 2024 showed marked improvement—with decisive throws and good decision-making—he remains behind Garoppolo as Stafford’s preferred backup. Rams head coach Sean McVay praised Bennett’s progress:
“Stetson was awesome. The amount of reps he’s been able to get, whether you go through the spring – especially in training camp. If there is one positive from Matthew not being in there, it’s both Jimmy and Stetson have been able to get some reps. The overall command, I thought he got through progressions well today.”
Despite this, Stafford’s potential return to full health in training camp means fewer reps for Bennett, reducing his chances to stake a claim. Moreover, the Rams’ front office faces a delicate balance—Stafford’s contract ends after 2026, and the team holds two first-round picks in the 2026 draft, making a younger quarterback prospect a likely future priority.
Given these factors, trading Bennett might be a pragmatic solution for all parties. Bennett has undeniable qualities: his accuracy, pocket presence, and leadership were keys to Georgia’s success, and he’s shown flashes of these in the preseason. However, blocked by depth chart dynamics and limited playing time, his value could be maximized elsewhere.
Several NFL teams could present fitting opportunities. The Denver Broncos, for instance, have an uncertain quarterback situation beyond Bo Nix, and Sean Payton’s offense is known to maximize the strengths of athletic, accurate quarterbacks like Bennett. Similarly, the Green Bay Packers might value Bennett as a reliable backup behind their young starter, with a strong supporting cast to ease his transition. Even the Kansas City Chiefs, currently without a capalbe backup for Patrick Mahomes, could use Bennett as a serviceable option while offering a highly competitive environment under Andy Reid.
Bennett himself has expressed the influence of Stafford’s mentorship:
“I don’t think there can be a better guy in the room than Matthew. He’s seen it all and been through it all, highs and lows. Just the way he goes out and handles each day … I try and learn as much from him and apply it the best I can.”
While Bennett’s story remains one of perseverance, the Rams’ current trajectory suggests his long-term future may lie elsewhere. With training camp underway and roster decisions looming, a trade could allow Bennett to compete for a backup role on a team in need, while providing the Rams with additional draft capital or roster flexibility to continue their rebuilding and championship aspirations.
In sum, trading Stetson Bennett offers a potential win-win: the quarterback gains a fresh start with a clearer opportunity, and the Rams can recalibrate their quarterback room to align with their strategic timeline. For a player whose path to prominence has been marked by overcoming odds, this next chapter could prove pivotal.
Subscribe to LAFB Network’s Los Angeles Rams YouTube Channel