Stetson Bennett's NFL career changed forever at the 2026 NFL Draft when the LA Rams used their first round pick to select fellow quarterback Ty Simpson. This decision made it clear that the Rams didn't fully trust him as their backup quarterback and future starter once Matthew Stafford decides to retire.
All that Bennett could do now is put his head down and try and prove the Rams wrong. Up to this point in the offseason there hasn't been much information released about his competition with Simpson, but that changed this weekend when a report came out that indicated that Bennett is the current leader to be Stafford's backup this season.
𝗥𝗨𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗦: The expectation in league circles is that Stetson Bennett has the edge over Ty Simpson for the team’s QB2 gig, according to @JasonLaCanfora pic.twitter.com/RdrRZKS3px
— JPA (@jasrifootball) June 28, 2026
Stetson Bennett is already proving how dumb it was for the Rams to draft Ty Simpson
It was always an interesting choice for the Rams to draft Simpson. The Rams absolutely needed to draft a quarterback this year because Stafford is aging and current backup Jimmy Garoppolo is thinking about retirement, but taking a QB in the first round was bold.
Bennett has already proven himself in LA. Sure he hasn't done anything during the regular season, but the past couple offseasons he has shined, especially during the Rams' preseason games. It has always felt like he has done enough to earn a shot to be the Rams starter once Stafford retires, but the Rams apparently feel differently.
This report however indicates that Bennett is already proving the Rams wrong. The Rams drafted Simpson because they didn't fully trust him, but if Bennett can beat Simpson out and become Stafford's backup then he will show just how big of a mistake they made by drafting Simpson in the first place.
Why is it important that Stetson Bennett beats Ty Simpson for the Rams backup QB job?
Bennett's career will be in jeopardy if he doesn't beat out Simpson this offseason. Bennett is entering the final year of his rookie contract, so if he doesn't beat out Simpson it will be easy for the Rams to cut him loose once this season is over.
But if Bennett beats out Simpson then there is a chance the Rams could sign him to a new contract next year.
There is a world though where Bennett does beat out Simpson to be the Rams backup this season only for him to still not get a new contract next offseason. Bennett is relatively old for a quarterback who hasn't started a regular season game yet, so combining that with the fact that Simpson will be a cheaper option could still result in Bennett leaving LA.
All Bennett can do now is beat out Simpson. Maybe that will earn him a new contract with the Rams or maybe it won't, but at the very least it will show the rest of the NFL that he is a capable player.
And that might be all it takes for a new team to sign him and finally give him a chance to be a starter in the NFL.
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