The Rams are stirring up some excitement with a quarterback battle that's sure to keep fans on their toes this summer. The buzz around the league is that Stetson Bennett is leading the charge for the backup quarterback spot, edging out first-round pick Ty Simpson. Word on the street, according to Jason La Canfora, is that Rams head coach Sean McVay has a lot of faith in Bennett's ability to step up and win games if called upon.
While Bennett seems to be the favorite, the Rams are playing it smart with Simpson, opting for a more gradual approach. Simpson, after all, only has a single year as a college starter under his belt. It's a strategic move by the Rams, allowing Simpson time to develop without the immediate pressure of stepping into a backup role.
As the summer unfolds, it'll be fascinating to watch how this competition pans out. The Rams might even consider bringing in a seasoned backup if they feel the need for more experience on the roster. With former backup Jimmy Garoppolo potentially heading into retirement, the door is wide open for someone to step in.
Bennett, now 28, comes with a solid pedigree from his time at Georgia, where he was a three-year starter and led the Bulldogs to back-to-back national championships. His performances were nothing short of stellar, earning him offensive MVP honors in both championship games.
Drafted by the Rams in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Bennett inked a four-year deal worth over $4.5 million, including a nice signing bonus. Although he spent his rookie season on the non-football injury list, he's poised to be a restricted free agent after the 2026 season.
Bennett's college stats are impressive, having played in 42 games with 32 starts, boasting a 65.1 percent completion rate, 8,428 passing yards, 66 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions. Not to mention, he added 530 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground. Yet, he still awaits his NFL debut.
On the flip side, there's Ty Simpson, a promising talent from Martin, Tennessee, who made waves in his first season as a starter at Alabama, earning second-team All-SEC honors in 2025. The Rams saw his potential and snagged him with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 draft. Simpson is on track to sign a lucrative four-year deal worth over $25 million, complete with a hefty signing bonus and a potential fifth-year option.
During his time at Alabama, Simpson played in 31 games, starting 15 of them, and posted an 11-4 record as a starter. His stats include a 63.9 percent completion rate, 3,948 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. He also showed some mobility with 223 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
As the Rams navigate this intriguing quarterback landscape, it'll be a storyline worth following closely. Whether Bennett's experience or Simpson's potential wins out, the Rams are setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
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