The Los Angeles Rams may have found a way to turn their packed quarterback room into a late-round asset.
ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky wrote on X Sunday that the Atlanta Falcons “should try and trade a late pick for” Stetson Bennett, giving a fresh and prominent endorsement to a potential deal involving the Rams’ fourth-year quarterback.
Bennett is coming off his strongest outing of the preseason, while first-round rookie Ty Simpson remains part of the Rams’ long-term plan behind Matthew Stafford.
Bennett completed 19 of 31 passes for 181 yards and added two rushing touchdowns in Saturday’s 34-0 win over the New Orleans Saints. He played the entire first half and helped Los Angeles build a 20-0 lead before Simpson took over after halftime.
That performance could give the Rams more leverage if a team believes Bennett can provide sturdy backup value.
Bennett’s Strong Showing Creates a Decision
GettyINGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 22: Stetson Bennett IV #13 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates his touchdown with Sean McVay, to take a 17-0 lead over the New Orleans Saints, during the first half in a preseason game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on August 22, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Bennett’s preseason has strengthened his justification to stay as Stafford’s backup, while also creating a possible trade decision for Los Angeles.
The Rams selected Simpson with the No. 13 overall pick in April, an venture that made clear where the organization sees its future at quarterback.
The team described Simpson as Stafford’s “heir apparent” in its offseason position reset, while adding that there was no established timeline for a transition.
Bennett, meanwhile, has continued to earn relevant work.
Sean McVay said before the draft that Bennett was “considered a backup” and had “gotten better and better.”
That take looked pertinent against New Orleans.
McVay praised Bennett again after Saturday’s win, pointing to his decision-making and willingness to use his legs after working through his progressions.
“He’s just getting better and better,” McVay said, via the Rams’ official website.
Bennett’s two touchdown runs — from 1 and 8 yards — gave Los Angeles a look at the mobility that helped make him productive at Georgia.
He has yet to appear in a regular-season NFL game, but four years in McVay’s system and a productive August could appeal to a team searching for quarterback depth.
Falcons Fit Comes With New Wrinkle
GettyINGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 09: Stetson Bennett #13 of the Georgia Bulldogs celebrates by kissing the College Football Playoff National Championship Trophy after defeating the TCU Horned Frogs in the College Football Playoff National Championship game at SoFi Stadium on January 09, 2023 in Inglewood, California. Georgia defeated TCU 65-7. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Atlanta has an obvious connection to Bennett.
He starred at Georgia, winning consecutive national championships, and a move to the Falcons would send him back to the state where his college career became a national story.
The Falcons’ quarterback situation looks congested, however.
Michael Penix Jr. was cleared for full-team work Saturday after recovering from a torn ACL, per Reuters. Atlanta also added Tua Tagovailoa during the offseason, while Cooper Rush has received a solid share of the team’s preseason work.
Orlovsky still sees Bennett as a player worth pursuing, and the Rams have reason to listen if Atlanta — or another quarterback-needy team — puts draft capital on the table.
Stafford is the reigning NFL MVP, Simpson is the quarterback Los Angeles spent a top-15 selection to develop and Bennett has done enough to improve his standing this summer.
The Rams can afford to wait for the right offer.
A late-round proposal would give the front office an opportunity to convert quarterback depth into future draft capital, in addition to creating developmental openings for Simpson.
After Bennett’s latest showing, Orlovsky believes Atlanta should make the call.
LA Rams’ Stetson Bennett Draws Trade Push From NFL Analyst