Is Stetson Bennett the best option for the Rams?

Bryce Perkins could make his way back to the NFL after being named UFL MVP

Stetson Bennett will get another shot to prove he can be a reliable backup quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams during this year’s preseason. Bennett has been lackluster to say the least after winning back-to-back college championships with the Georgia Bulldogs in 2021 and 2022. Another poor outing could make Les Snead and Sean McVay explore other options.

It is hard to gauge any quarterback in preseason games, especially with the Rams who do not play any key role players in the offseason, but even then Bennett’s numbers have been concerning. In his two games played last season he completed just 59.4% of his passes, was intercepted five times, and finished with a quarterback rating of just 57.5 (which was worse than his previous QBR in 2023 at 59). If little improvement is seen in his third year on the team, who could the Rams sign in such short notice? I’m glad you asked.

LA could re-sign Bryce Perkins to the team after the former Ram was named the UFL MVP after throwing for 1,342 yards, 14 total touchdowns (nine in the air, five on the ground), and a completion rate of 69%. In a 58-34 loss against the DC Defenders in the UFL Championship Perkins threw four touchdowns as he attempted to will his team to victory but fell short at The Dome in St. Louis. His efforts could land him back in the NFL as teams begin to finalize their rosters, but Perkins already has familiarity with Los Angeles which may give them the upper-hand if McVay wants him back on the roster.

Apart from a dominating performance in the fall league, Perkins gives the Rams something they currently do not have on the roster—elusiveness. The three quarterbacks likely to make the roster are all pocket passers and only take off when it is absolutely necessary. Bennett is the fastest of the two and ran a 4.67 second 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine. Perkins ran it in 4.65 seconds but has proven in both leagues that his legs are a weapon on the field with his ability to make tacklers miss.

Adding him to the roster could help LA’s defense practice against a dual threat quarterback during the season and get the defense better prepared for the likes of Kyler Murray and Lamar Jackson (neither of which I am comparing Perkins to). It would not be a decision with the mindset that he would take over for Stafford when he eventually calls it quits, but it opens up a whole new playbook for McVay to use in the scenario where a backup needs to be used.

With Jimmy Garoppolo in firm control of the number two spot behind Stafford, Bennett will be fighting to be on the team during the preseason. If he falters it could make way for a new opportunity for another young quarterback and Perkins makes the most sense in short notice.

What do you think the Rams should do if Bennett has a bad preseason? Would it be time to move on? Who would you pick up if you were McVay? Let’s discuss in the comments below!