Stetson Bennett has more at stake this summer than even Rams fans may realize

Quarterback Stetson Bennett, the 128th overall pick in the 2023 draft, is entering the final year of his rookie contract. He's also entering what might be the biggest summer of his life. All Los Angeles Rams training camp and preseason long, Bennett and rookie first-rounder Ty Simpson will battle it out for the right to be Matthew Stafford's primary backup. Regardless of the outcome, Bennett has everything to gain by putting up a good fight.

Beyond this season, of course, his outlook in Los Angeles is obvious. Simpson is Stafford's heir apparent. While he may not be ready to step in as QB2 by Week 1, it would be an extreme surprise if he hasn't earned that role by next season. 

For Bennett, giving the Rams his very best is all about setting himself up to continue his pro career elsewhere.

Bennett is about to audition for his NFL future

Right now, that's probably the last thing on his mind. The Rams have adjourned until training camp in late July, but Bennett will spend the interval preparing to put his best foot forward when the team reconvenes. 

In the QB2 competition, Simpson has the edge in pure talent and the organization's backing as Stafford's successor. Bennett, meanwhile, has all the experience in Sean McVay's offensive system. While he has yet to throw a pass in his NFL career, you bet he's learned a thing or two watching Stafford from the sidelines over the past three seasons.

It's far too early to call the match one way or the other. Once Simpson gets a bit more comfortable, he could run away with the backup job and leave Bennett, once again, with a seat on the practice squad.

Just as easily, the Rams could roll with Bennett to start the season, rostering three quarterbacks on the 53-man unit until Simpson proves ready to handle backup duties himself. 

In the end, it might not matter much for Bennett individually whether he wins the job or not. Everyone knows the Horns are all-in on Simpson. Stafford is already impressed. The best thing Bennett can do is put his own abilities on display while also coaching up the youngster. 

If other teams see that he has at least some kind of arm and, just as importantly, the maturity, leadership, and strong character to be a positive force in the locker room, Bennett could quickly land elsewhere even if he doesn't make the Rams' roster. 

Thus far, Los Angeles hasn't just been the only home he's known. The Rams might also be the only home he could have in the NFL. He's a respected fixture in the organization, LA's own draft pick, and a great teammate. The Horns were happy to stash him on the practice squad, and no other team came calling.

Now Bennett's rookie deal is nearly at an end. The Rams are unlikely to re-sign him. This summer represents his first real crack at landing a QB2 gig. That wasn't on the table the past two seasons with Jimmy Garoppolo there. In his rookie season, Los Angeles turned to Carson Wentz and Brett Rypien.

Bennett is now 28 years old, neither prospect nor journeyman. 2026 is his best and maybe his last shot at making a career for himself outside the Rams' organization.

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