The Rams need to secure a backup quarterback for Matthew Stafford in the long term.

On the third day of the 2023 NFL draft, the Los Angeles Rams believed they had resolved their backup quarterback dilemma, which had plagued them during the 2022 season when Matthew Stafford missed significant playing time due to a spinal cord contusion.

They selected quarterback Stetson Bennett in the fourth round, aiming to groom him as a backup and potentially as a future starter, as mentioned by coach Sean McVay. McVay expressed enthusiasm about Bennett’s opportunity to learn from Stafford, a seasoned player with a stellar track record.

However, Bennett’s journey took an unexpected turn when he was placed on the reserve/non-football illness list in September, rendering him inactive for the entire season. McVay refrained from divulging details about Bennett’s absence and deferred discussions about his status to a later time.

With Stafford’s absence impacting the team’s performance over the past seasons, the importance of a reliable backup quarterback became evident. In 2022, the Rams struggled in Stafford’s absence, emphasizing the need for a capable backup.

While Stafford missed only one game in the subsequent season due to injury, the Rams suffered a crucial loss to the Green Bay Packers, where backup quarterback Brett Rypien struggled, prompting his release afterward. The Rams then signed veteran Carson Wentz to serve as Stafford’s backup.

Considering Bennett’s uncertain status for the upcoming season, the Rams face a decision regarding their backup quarterback position. One option could be re-signing Wentz, who demonstrated his ability to lead the team to victory in a pivotal game against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 18 of the previous season.

Wentz’s performance in that game, where he contributed both passing and rushing touchdowns, showcased his potential value as a backup. However, Wentz’s preference for a role where he can compete for a starting position might influence the Rams’ decision-making process.