Stetson Bennett’s bid to succeed Matthew Stafford takes a hit

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay didn't sound very optimistic about Stetson Bennett's future role with the team.

When discussing the Rams' quarterback room for 2026, McVay made it a point to note that Bennett is a backup and that L.A. is still actively looking at bringing in another passer alongside Bennett and Matthew Stafford.

"I think Stetson is considered a backup," McVay said, "We drafted him a handful of years ago. ... I think Stetson has gotten better and better. I think [quarterbacks coach/associate coordinator] Dave Ragone's done a great job with him. Certainly, you monitor all of those things."

McVay did note, though, that he thinks Bennett can do what Jimmy Garoppolo did in 2025 as a backup: hold down the offense in training camp when Stafford missed time due to a back injury. But that's as far as McVay's praise of Bennett seemed to go. When speaking about Garoppolo, for instance, McVay has continuously said the veteran is a starting-caliber player. While that could have been to help him get a bigger deal and a bigger role elsewhere, McVay's pointed remark about Bennett's role is much less of an endorsement.

Bennett is currently the only other quarterback under contract with the Rams while the team finalizes a new deal for Stafford. The Rams were interested in Garoppolo and Kirk Cousins as the direct backup for Stafford and ahead of Bennett, but Garoppolo is considering retirement and Cousins since with the .