Rams QB Stetson Bennett Wants 'An Opportunity' In 2024 In Los Angeles Or Elsewhere

Timm Hamm | Mar 24, 2024

Los Angeles Rams v Denver Broncos / Dustin Bradford/GettyImages

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett spent all of last season - his rookie campaign - away from his team and the league he worked so hard to get to. And now, a full season later, he hopes to take the field ... somewhere.

After leading the Georgia Bulldogs to back-to-back national championships, the Rams selected Bennett with the 128th overall pick - which some so-called experts still considered a reach.

After fighting for a roster spot before the 2023 season, Bennett slipped down the depth chart in Los Angeles and then in September, stepped away from the team and was placed on the non-football illness list amid a slurry of speculation. Rams coach Sean McVay didn’t provide any specific details, only saying that “there are certain things that I think are a little bit bigger and more important.”

Regardless of the reason, Bennett was away from football for the entire 2023 season. Now, it appears he might want back in.

Georgia Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart recently said that his former quarterback is “doing well” and was in Dallas working with Patrick Mahomes’ trainer to prepare for the 2024 season. Smart spoke at the Macon Touchdown Club. The Georgia coach said that Bennett is looking for an opportunity ... either with Los Angeles or elsewhere.

“Stetson is doing well. He went back to Dallas to train where he trained last year. He trained with Patrick Mahomes’ trainer and some different people there. So he wanted to go back to that same footprint where he was training previously. The Rams still have him there. They have gotten other quarterbacks, but he’s hopeful that he gets an opportunity there or he’ll get picked up by somebody else.”

McVay has been non-commital with regard to Bennett's return to the Rams, and Los Angeles just signed Jimmy Garappolo to back up starter Matthew Stafford.

If Bennett does anticipate a return to the NFL, it could be tough to find a willing partner based on his play. He struggled in the offseason, has been away from the league for a full season, and is two full years removed from winning a national title with Georgia. He'll turn 27 years old during the NFL season, so there will be questions about his long-term usability.