Stetson Bennett, the former Georgia Bulldogs star and national championship-winning quarterback, was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft with hopes of developing into a reliable backup or potential successor to Matthew Stafford. However, as the 2025 NFL season approaches, several factors suggest that Bennett’s tenure with the Rams may coming to an end. From limited opportunities to roster dynamics and organizational priorities, here are seven reasons why Stetson Bennett is unlikely to remain with the Rams in 2025.
1. Lack of Playing Time and Development
One of the most significant hurdles for Bennett’s future with the Rams is his lack of meaningful playing time. Since being drafted, Bennett has yet to see regular-season action, spending much of his time as the third-string quarterback behind Matthew Stafford and Jimmy Garoppolo. In 2024, he served as the backup quarterback for the first two weeks due to Garoppolo’s suspension, but he did not play, and his role reverted to QB3 once Garoppolo returned.
Bennett’s only notable appearances came during the 2024 preseason, where he showed flashes of potential but struggled with consistency, throwing five interceptions alongside two touchdowns in two games. While he delivered a game-winning touchdown pass against the Dallas Cowboys, his overall performance raised questions about his readiness for NFL-level play. Without significant opportunities to showcase his skills in regular-season games, Bennett has not been able to prove he can be a reliable part of the Rams’ quarterback depth chart.
2. The Rams’ Commitment to Matthew Stafford and Jimmy Garoppolo
The Rams have made it clear that Matthew Stafford, now 37, remains their cornerstone quarterback. In February 2025, the team restructured Stafford’s contract, signaling their intent to keep him as the starter for at least the 2025 season. Stafford’s strong performance in 2024, with 3,965 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and a playoff appearance, indicates he is still a top-tier quarterback with no immediate plans to retire.
Additionally, the Rams re-signed veteran Jimmy Garoppolo to a one-year, $4.5 million contract with up to $9 million in incentives for 2025, solidifying his role as the primary backup. Garoppolo’s experience and familiarity with head coach Sean McVay’s system make him a more trusted option than Bennett, who has yet to establish himself. The decision to retain Garoppolo, even after considering Stafford’s potential departure, underscores the Rams’ preference for proven veterans over untested prospects like Bennett.
3. The Rams’ Potential to Draft a New Quarterback
Despite not selecting a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Rams’ long-term planning suggests they may look to address the position in the near future. With Stafford aging and Garoppolo on a one-year deal, the Rams are likely to seek a younger quarterback to develop as a potential successor. Reports from March 2025 indicated that the Rams were expected to draft a quarterback, which would have further crowded the depth chart and diminished Bennett’s role. Although they did not draft one, the team’s interest in exploring quarterback options signals a lack of confidence in Bennett as a long-term solution.
The 2025 draft was not considered deep at the quarterback position, but the Rams’ willingness to trade out of the first round and focus on other needs suggests they are strategically building a roster for a Super Bowl run rather than investing in unproven players like Bennett. If the Rams target a quarterback in the 2026 draft or via free agency, Bennett’s roster spot could become even more precarious.
4. Roster Space and Team Priorities
The Rams’ roster decisions are heavily influenced by their immediate competitive goals. After advancing to the NFC divisional round in 2024 and losing to the Super Bowl-champion Philadelphia Eagles, the Rams are focused on maximizing their championship window. This focus has led to an emphasis on depth at key positions like the offensive line, wide receiver, and secondary, especially after injuries plagued the team in 2024.
Carrying three quarterbacks on the active roster is not typical for the Rams, who have historically prioritized roster spots for other positions. Bennett’s spot on the 53-man roster in 2024 was largely due to injuries to Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, and others, which created temporary roster flexibility. Now the need shifts to developing draft picks and UDFA’s resulting in limited roster spots. Players such as tight end Terrance Ferguson, DT, and Ty Hamilton and others will take up roster spots leaving Bennett as the odd man out.
5. Bennett’s Uncertain Future and Limited Growth
Bennett’s journey with the Rams has been marked by challenges, including a year away from football in 2023 due to placement on the reserve/non-football illness list. While he returned in 2024 and showed a strong work ethic, his limited practice snaps—behind Stafford and Garoppolo—have hindered his development. Rams head coach Sean McVay has praised Bennett’s willingness to learn, but the lack of opportunities to translate that into on-field performance raises doubts about his long-term fit.
Moreover, Bennett’s contract runs through 2026, aligning with Stafford’s timeline, but his role as the third-string quarterback offers little job security. If Garoppolo departs after 2025, Bennett might compete for the backup role, but the Rams could opt for a more experienced free agent or a higher-upside draft pick instead. Bennett’s college success at Georgia, where he won two national championships, has not yet translated to the NFL, and his age (27 by the end of 2025) reduces his appeal as a developmental prospect compared to younger quarterbacks. Releasing Bennett would result in a dead cap hit of only $349,570 for 2025 and $174,785 for 2026.
6. Potential Trade or Release
Given the Rams’ competitive aspirations and roster constraints, Bennett could be a candidate for a trade (unlikely) or release before the 2025 season. His fourth-round pedigree and college accolades might attract interest from teams looking for a low-cost backup or practice squad quarterback. Alternatively, the Rams could waive Bennett and attempt to bring him back to the practice squad, as they considered in 2024. However, with only two years left on his rookie contract and no clear path to playing time, the Rams may decide to move on entirely, especially if they acquire another quarterback or prioritize other roster needs.
7. Better Options
As trainings camps open up, there are going to be several teams cutting loose quaterbacks that would make more sense as a #3 QB or a QB to stash on the practice squad. One QB that comes to mind is former Rams QB Bryce Perkins. Perkins is now playing for the Michigan Panthers of the United Football League (UFL). He is familier with the Rams playback, is more mobile, faster and bigger than Bennett.
Wrap Up
Stetson Bennett’s time with the Los Angeles Rams appears to be on shaky ground as the 2025 season approaches. The team’s commitment to Matthew Stafford and Jimmy Garoppolo, combined with their focus on immediate success and roster optimization, leaves little room for Bennett to carve out a meaningful role. His limited playing time, inconsistent preseason performance, and the Rams’ potential to seek a new quarterback further diminish his prospects. While Bennett’s work ethic and college pedigree are commendable, the realities of the NFL and the Rams’ strategic priorities make it increasingly likely that he will not be with the team in 2025. Whether through a trade, release, or relegation to the practice squad, Bennett’s future in Los Angeles looks uncertain at best.
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