Why Stetson Bennett will be a factor in Rams offense in 2024

Many LA Rams fans have already moved on from 2023 rookie quarterback Stetson Bennett. I'm not sure why. They did not move on quickly from 2022 rookie interior offensive lineman Logan Bruss, who also missed his entire rookie season.

But Georgia Bulldogs fans have not moved on from him. Stetson Bennett, a former walk-on quarterback for their team, led them to two consecutive NCAA Championships. And that is worth remembering. So when Georgia HC Kirby Smart held his first press conference in Macon, Georgia to talk about this year's football team, the first question he was asked was to provide an update on Stetson Bennett's status:

"Stetson is doing well, he went back to Dallas where he trained last year, he trained with Patrick Mahomes’ trainers and different people there. He wanted to go back to that same footprint where he was training previously.”"

- Georgia HC Kirby Smart

Of course, we had discussed Bennett working out in Texas over a week ago. And judging by the number of views that article received, I suspect that Georgia fans were looking for the latest and greatest update on Stetson Bennett at that time, too.

Some have cited the Rams signing of backup QB Jimmy Garoppolo as reason to believe that the team has already move on from Bennett. But there is a huge problem with that reasoning. Garoppolo will be suspended for two games by the NFL for violating the league's controlled substance policy. As such, he will not be able to play for the Rams in the first two weeks of the 2024 NFL season.

But Stetson Bennett can.

Bennett is still under contract through 2026. Cutting him says very little for the team. And many reports from the 2023 training camp were quite promising about his development. So why are fans so eager to oust him? Rather, there are many reasons for the team to continue to work with and develop him this year.

The Rams are going to ride with Jimmy Garoppolo as the backup in 2024. That almost mandates the team to keep Stetson Bennett around this year.

Had the Rams drafted a future franchise QB in the 2024 NFL Draft, Bennett would be at risk of not making the team. But with Jimmy G aboard, the team won't be drafting a QB early. That opens the door for Stetson Bennett to earn a roster spot in 2024.