After being selected in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Stetson Bennett didn't participate in the Los Angeles Rams throughout his rookie campaign. In fact, he didn't even attend games and the franchise kept his situation under wraps. Now, after appearing at the team's OTAs, we finally know why Bennett was absent last season.
In an interview with a local Alabama news station, Rams general manager, Les Snead, claims that Stetson Bennett needed a break after winning two championships at Georgia, per John Breech of CBS Sports. From the sounds of it, Bennett was burnt out on football but seems ready to go after taking a year-long break.
“I know this: Last year was very beneficial for him. I think he took advantage of that year away from the game. You know what, he's an exhausted human being based on everything he had done to walk on, to go to JUCO, to come back, to turn down small schools, say ‘I'm going to try to do this Georgia thing.' To win a job, then to win the thing, and then to determine, ‘I'm going to come back.' And when you come back, it's really win it again or you failed. And that does take a toll on a human being, so I was jacked for Stetson to be able to take that moment and breathe a little bit.”
There was plenty of speculation circulating the Rams quarterback. But none of those rumors seem to be true. Now, Bennett is in a position to compete for the backup quarterback job behind Matthew Stafford. Considering Stafford is 36 years old, Bennett could be in line to be the starting quarterback in a year or two. But that will depend on his development in the NFL.
Can Stetson Bennett carve out a career with the Rams?
Bennett proved to be a difference-maker during his days at Georgia. He played an integral part in helping the Bulldogs win back-to-back championships before he took his talents to the NFL. He finished his collegiate career with 8,429 yards, 66 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions.
With that said, it's not clear what kind of career he'll have with the Rams or in the NFL. Stafford isn't due to hit free agency until 2027. But LA does have an out on his contract after 2026. The timeframe suggests Matthew Stafford will be the starting quarterback through Stetson Bennett's rookie deal. Of course, Stafford could decline in his later years which could open up an opportunity for Bennett. But only time will tell if that happens or not.
At the very least, the Rams are excited to have Stetson Bennett on the roster. His championship pedigree is fantastic for any franchise to have on their roster. Bennett has the potential of being a starting quarterback in the league but it could be a few years before he gets that chance.
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