Sean McVay Reveals the Los Angeles Rams’ 2026 Quarterback Depth Chart
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay confirmed that Ty Simpson will play in the preseason, but it is not known if Stetson Bennett will play.
Simpson, who was drafted 13th overall in this year’s draft, will finally get the opportunity to showcase his talent in a Rams uniform.
Can Ty Simpson’s Preseason Elevate His Depth Chart Position?
The rookie has reportedly been playing well in training camp and even said he has learned more during his time with the Rams than he did in college.
“It’s the same thing I did in college, except it’s a different level,” Simpson said about sitting and learning. “I’ve learned more ball in the last four months of being with [Stafford] than I had in four years of being in college. He’s just so, like, cerebral. Just understands, and he’s so smart with everything. It’s so cool. I appreciate him so much because he’s been nothing but nice to me.”
Simpson has been at the center of attention since draft day. Selected as Matthew Stafford’s successor, Simpson was a pick that didn’t appear to have unanimous support. McVay’s reaction to the pick drew speculation, but he quickly cleared the air, explaining it was a misunderstanding.
Before the draft, general manager Les Snead made it clear how the Rams were going to approach this year’s selections.
“Our macro philosophy is, if we can use free agency to not be desperate in the draft, we more than likely will be better drafters,” Snead said. “Because we’re not reaching, we’re not desperate. We’re not going in there with a major void major hole that has to be filled.”
After the pick, the Rams used the remaining free agency to acquire Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, and Myles Garrett. Simpson’s selection ensures the Rams’ future at quarterback and gives them a plan for after Stafford retires.
McVay told reporters that while Simpson will play during the preseason, he isn’t sure if Bennett will play at all. Bennett is entering the final year of his rookie contract and still hasn’t played in a regular-season game.
Is Stetson Bennett the Backup On The Depth Chart?
At the beginning of training camp, McVay made it clear that Simpson would have to compete for the backup spot against Bennett. Now, McVay and the staff are close to naming Bennett the backup quarterback. After three years as the third-string quarterback, Bennett has finally received the vote of confidence for a promotion.
Bennett was a fourth-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft out of the University of Georgia, where he won two national championships. The talented quarterback has come a long way since his collegiate days. In 2023, he was placed on the reserve/non-football list and stepped away from football.
Bennett later revealed that he returned home to Georgia and stepped away from football due to mental health-related reasons. While away from the team, Rams signed Jimmy Garoppolo, and he became the team’s backup quarterback for the last two seasons.
During his time with the Rams, Garoppolo never played in the preseason. Bennett’s absence from this year’s preseason could be the best opportunity for him going forward. Now, Bennett will likely be the No. 2 to Stafford.
While Stafford remains the focus for the season, the two young quarterbacks must continue to develop and improve every day if they are to be the future of the Rams’ offense.
Jul 31, 2026; Westchester, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett IV (13) throws the ball at training camp at Loyola Marymount University. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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