What Does Rams' Signing Jimmy Garoppolo Mean for Stetson Bennett, Draft Plan?

The Los Angeles Rams have a new backup quarterback in town with their free agent signing of Jimmy Garoppolo.

The Los Angeles Rams have their new backup quarterback, likely a month earlier than many anticipated. Despite predictions that the Rams would address their backup quarterback problem through the NFL Draft again, that didn't stop them from adding a veteran and former starter in Jimmy Garoppolo.

After being released by the Las Vegas Raiders, the 32-year-old will join the Rams as Stafford's backup, likely replacing another former starter, Carson Wentz. Wentz signed with the Rams late last season following the season-long absence of Stetson Bennett and Brett Rypien's release. 

However, despite Wentz leading the Rams to victory in their Week 18 matchup versus the San Francisco 49ers, his stint in Los Angeles was only temporary as he didn't re-sign with the team before his contract expired this offseason. 

So, with Garoppolo in place and expected to back up Stafford, the question is: What's next for the Rams at quarterback? 

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett (left) and then-Las Vegas Raiders' Jimmy Garoppolo (right) / USA Today Network

The aforementioned former fourth-round pick, Bennett, was taken by the Rams in last year's draft with the hope that he could be Stafford's deputy and maybe even one day successor. However, even while Bennett managed to win the backup role in the preseason, it was only briefly due to his abrupt season-long absence due to an undisclosed off-the-field matter. 

Even after missing all of last season due to a non-football-related matter, it is still unclear what Bennett's status will be for this coming season. 

When asked about the status of his former fourth-round pick back in January following the playoff loss to the Detroit Lions, coach Sean McVay said he didn't "know" if or when Bennett could return. 

BREAKING: Rams to Sign Ex 49ers, Raiders QB Jimmy Garoppolo

Considering the last two seasons have each seen Stafford miss time due to injuries, that unknown factor with Bennett's possible return may still see the Rams take another signal-caller in the draft, even with the signing of Garoppolo.

Not only that, but Garoppolo will be unavailable for the first two games of the season due to a suspension for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing substances policy.