Stetson Bennett as Rams backup QB for 2026 season!
Stetson Bennett as Rams backup QB for 2026 season
The case for Stetson Bennett as Rams backup QB for 2026 season rests on recent progress and clear coaching trust. Therefore, it is worth examining his readiness compared with rookie Ty Simpson and other options. I aim to be analytical and cautiously optimistic about his fit as Matthew Stafford’s understudy.
Bennett’s preseason tape in 2025 shows sharper mechanics and better decision making than earlier film. However, the sample size remains small. He has fewer than 200 throws against NFL defenses. He also spent time on the Reserve Non-Football Illness list, which raises availability questions. Yet his 2025 preseason numbers were encouraging.
From a depth chart standpoint, Sean McVay appears to back Bennett as a potential long season backup. As a result, the Rams face a choice between developmental upside in Simpson and proven familiarity with the offense. This introduction will frame the questions we unpack later about talent, experience, and roster construction.
Stetson Bennett as Rams backup QB for 2026 season: Draft status and early path
Stetson Bennett entered the NFL as a fourth round pick. He arrived with a Georgia pedigree and high expectation. However, the transition proved rocky at first. In the 2024 preseason, Bennett threw four interceptions in a single game. As a result, questions about readiness circled quickly.
Stetson Bennett as Rams backup QB for 2026 season: Preseason rebound and small sample caveat
Bennett showed tangible improvement in 2025 preseason work. He completed more throws and reduced obvious mistakes. Yet he has fewer than 200 throws against NFL defenses, and that limited sample matters. Moreover, he did not play in a regular season since his rookie year because he landed on the Reserve Non-Football Illness list. Therefore, availability and durability remain concerns.
Key stats at a glance
- Drafted: fourth round
- 2024 regular season: 41 completions on 69 attempts for 437 yards, 2 touchdowns and 5 interceptions
- 2024 notable preseason game: four interceptions in one game
- 2025 preseason: 44 completions on 64 attempts for 512 yards, 5 touchdowns and 3 interceptions
- Fewer than 200 throws vs NFL defenses overall
- Ty Simpson NFL snaps: zero as of now
Performance context and coaching confidence
Sean McVay appears to trust Bennett as a potential backup for 2026. Consequently, Bennett gained more reps in team work and in walkthroughs. As one analyst noted, “With such a small sample size to look at, it’s impossible to make a realistic assessment as to whether Bennett should be the Rams’ QB2, especially when we have zero NFL snaps for Simpson. Having said that, though, just based on the visual improvement and the faith McVay seems to have in him, I’d actually have zero problem with the team going forward with Stetson Bennett as the backup next season.”
Overall, the arc reads as cautious optimism. Bennett improved, yet the evidence base remains thin. Therefore, the depth chart choice still hinges on health and live-game snaps.
Stetson Bennett as Rams backup QB for 2026 season: Bennett vs Ty Simpson
The Rams face a clear decision at QB2. Stetson Bennett offers familiarity with the offense. Ty Simpson brings first round upside but no NFL snaps yet. Therefore, comparing their profiles clarifies the backup debate.
NFL experience and snap counts
- Stetson Bennett: fourth round pick with a limited regular season sample.
- Ty Simpson: rookie first round pick with zero NFL snaps so far.
- Because live-game experience matters, Bennett currently holds the edge in real reps.
Preseason performance and measurable trends
- Bennett 2024 preseason: hit a major setback when he threw four interceptions in one game.
- Bennett 2025 preseason: improved to 44 of 64 for 512 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions.
- 2024 regular season for Bennett: 41 of 69 for 437 yards, two touchdowns and five interceptions.
- Simpson preseason or regular stats: none available at the NFL level yet.
Readiness, upside and coaching influence
Bennett shows clearer mechanics and better decision making than earlier tape. However, he has fewer than 200 NFL throws. As a result, his margin for error is small. McVay appears to have faith in Bennett as a potential backup for 2026. One analyst summed it up, “With such a small sample size to look at, it’s impossible to make a realistic assessment as to whether Bennett should be the Rams’ QB2, especially when we have zero NFL snaps for Simpson. Having said that, though, just based on the visual improvement and the faith McVay seems to have in him, I’d actually have zero problem with the team going forward with Stetson Bennett as the backup next season.”
Quick takeaways
- Experience edge: Bennett because of game reps.
- Upside edge: Simpson because of draft capital and projection.
- Immediate reliability: Bennett, yet availability concerns linger because of past NFI placement.
- Conclusion: The choice balances short term stability against long term upside.
Comparison Table: Stetson Bennett as Rams backup QB for 2026 season
Below is a side by side comparison of the two leading candidates for the Rams’ backup QB job. Stetson Bennett brings limited NFL game reps and clear preseason improvement. Ty Simpson carries first round upside but zero NFL snaps so far. Therefore the table highlights draft status, preseason numbers, experience, and notable notes.
| Attribute | Stetson Bennett | Ty Simpson |
|---|---|---|
| Draft selection | Fourth round | First round (rookie) |
| NFL snaps and throws vs NFL defenses | Fewer than 200 throws against NFL defenses | Zero NFL snaps to date |
| 2024 preseason | Threw four interceptions in one preseason game; mixed results | No NFL preseason data available |
| 2025 preseason | 44 of 64, 512 yards, 5 TDs, 3 INTs (encouraging) | No NFL preseason data available |
| 2024 regular season | 41 of 69, 437 yards, 2 TDs, 5 INTs | No NFL regular season stats |
| Availability notes | Placed on Reserve Non-Football Illness list in 2024 | No NFL availability history yet |
| Coaching confidence | Sean McVay appears to trust him as a backup candidate | Team projects long term upside due to draft capital |
| Notable strengths | Improved mechanics and decision making; familiarity with offense | Projectable arm talent and developmental ceiling |
| Notable concerns | Small sample size; past interception spike; health questions | Zero live NFL reps; learning curve adapting to pro speed |
Key takeaways
- Experience edge goes to Bennett because he has live preseason and limited regular snaps. However, his total NFL throws remain low.
- Upside edge goes to Simpson because of draft status and long term projection. Yet he offers no immediate game experience.
- Therefore the Rams must weigh short term stability against long term upside when setting the depth chart.
Quote to remember
“With such a small sample size to look at, it’s impossible to make a realistic assessment as to whether Bennett should be the Rams’ QB2, especially when we have zero NFL snaps for Simpson. Having said that, though, just based on the visual improvement and the faith McVay seems to have in him, I’d actually have zero problem with the team going forward with Stetson Bennett as the backup next season.”
Related keywords and semantic SEO notes
- backup quarterback
- Rams depth chart
- Matthew Stafford
- Ty Simpson
- preseason performance
- fourth round pick
- rookie first round pick
- Stetson Bennett
- McVay
- Reserve NFI
After reviewing the evidence, a cautiously optimistic view of Stetson Bennett as Rams backup QB for 2026 season holds up. Bennett showed measurable improvement in 2025 preseason work. However, his total NFL throws remain low. Because of that, any endorsement comes with caveats about sample size and availability.
Sean McVay’s apparent trust in Bennett matters. It gives Bennett a short-term edge for the QB2 job. Yet Ty Simpson’s draft capital and upside cannot be ignored. Therefore the Rams must balance immediate stability against long-term projection when finalizing the depth chart. If Bennett stays healthy and continues to refine mechanics, he can provide reliable relief for Matthew Stafford.
Rams News LLC provided the analysis and reporting in this article. For more coverage and ongoing updates visit Rams News and follow our Twitter/X handle @ZachGatsby. Going forward, expect the battle for backup quarterback to unfold in training camp and preseason games. As a result, live snaps and availability will decide whether Bennett secures the QB2 role or the team leans into Simpson’s upside.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What role will Stetson Bennett have in 2026?
He projects as Matthew Stafford’s backup. McVay’s trust gives him a short-term edge. However, limited live snaps and past NFI placement create uncertainty. Coaches will monitor his mental health status closely.
How does Bennett compare with Ty Simpson?
Bennett has live preseason and limited regular snaps. Simpson is a first round rookie with zero NFL snaps. Therefore Bennett offers short-term reliability while Simpson offers long-term upside.
Is Bennett ready to start if Stafford is injured?
Not definitively. Bennett improved in 2025 preseason, but he has fewer than 200 throws. Thus the team would prefer more live reps before naming him a trustworthy starter. Furthermore, continued practice performance will matter.
What do recent preseason stats say?
In 2025 he went 44 of 64 for 512 yards, five TDs and three INTs. In 2024 he endured a four-interception preseason game. These show progress and risk.
What is the outlook for the Rams depth chart?
Cautious optimism favors Bennett for QB2 now. However training camp and preseason snaps will decide the final depth chart.
