Los Angeles Rams GM sheds light on Stetson Bennett’s 2023 absence, 2024 return
The Los Angeles Rams used the 128th overall pick on quarterback Stetson Bennett in the 2023 NFL Draft, hoping he could immediately become a viable backup behind Matthew Stafford. Instead, the two-time national champion stepped away from football and is now making a comeback in 2024.
Bennett, now 26 years old, was a second-team All-SEC quarterback in his final season with the Georgia Bulldogs. The Rams fell in love with him during the pre-draft process, viewing him as a potential starting-caliber quarterback who would fit nicely in Sean McVay’s offense if Matthew Stafford went down.
Following an up-and-down summer, the rookie quarterback struggled in his first preseason action with 7 combined sacks and interceptions. Then, out of nowhere, Bennett left the team and was placed on the reserve/non-football illness list.
The Rams never provided details on Bennett’s absence, not even after the season ended when asked if the former star quarterback had a future. Out of nowhere, Georgia coach Kirby Smart announced in March that Bennett was training for an NFL return with Snead confirming the former fourth-round pick would be out there for practices during the spring and summer. Now, with Bennett at Rams OTAs, more insight is being provided into his 2023 absence.
Appearing on News 19 in Alabama, Snead offered some information regarding Bennett’s absence from the team last season suggesting Bennett was getting away from football to focus on his mental health.
Snead certainly knows the toll making a championship run can have on an organization. As he told News 19, Rams’ players, coaches and other employees experienced how draining pursuing a championship can be during their Super Bowl run.
