Matthew Stafford had the hearts of all Georgia fans during his time in Athens. The talented gunslinger from Texas went on to become the first No. 1 overall draft pick from Georgia since Harry Babcock in 1953 and more recently became the first Georgia player to win NFL MVP since Terrell Davis in 1998.
Despite the love for Stafford, Stetson Bennett might just have even more love than anyone else in the league from Bulldog faithful.
Bennett was one of the key members of Georgia's back-to-back National Championship teams, winning MVP of both title games. Since being drafted by the Rams to be Stafford's third-string backup in 2022, his future has been iffy at times. However, recent reports that second-string quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is considering retirement, so Bennett's NFL career trajectory will likely be decided sooner rather than later.
LA Rams are forced to finally make a decision on Stetson Bennett's future
The biggest factor in this decision should undoubtedly be the Rams' cap situation. Stafford is notably making one of the most expensive contracts in NFL history, with a cap hit of over $48 million. Alongside him is recent addition Davante Adams with a hit of $28 million.
Quarterbacks are the most expensive position group in the NFL. Signing a veteran to be the next QB2 in LA would be a big hit to the Rams already low salary cap space. It is worth mentioning that Bennett is still on his rookie contract, bringing in just over a million a year. Keeping Bennett as QB2 would save the Rams several million dollars this year.
It is not like Bennett is a low-quality player either. Bennett was a former Heisman finalist and has even had some great performances in preseason play as well. While there are concerns still about having turnovers in these games along with his size and arm strength, he has proven himself to be a valuable player. If the Rams are smart, this is their guy to be Stafford's backup if Garoppolo retires.
You might not think it means much having The Mailman as QB2 since Stafford is the reigning MVP, but it could have serious implications on the future of the team. Stafford is one of the oldest QBs in the league and has faced injury concerns in recent memory. If the Rams decide to go forward with Bennett as QB2 and used that saved salary cap on bulking back up their defense and retaining some of their young talent, Bennett would likely be the next guy for the forseeable future.
If Stafford retires or gets hurt, Bennett would all of a sudden be the starting quarterback for the Rams. If the Rams decide not to hold onto him, then he is likely right back where he started as QB3 on a team with a narrow path to grow. Even if it might not seem like a big deal, the verdict the Rams hold on Bennett with Jimmy G's decision looming could be a monumental part in not only Bennett's career, but the future of the Rams organization.
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