The talk around Stetson Bennett isn’t about backing up Matthew Stafford for the L.A. Rams anymore. No, this is about a potential trade that would send him packing, and guess where analysts at ESPN are pointing? Cleveland. It’s wild to think about, but a significant shift could be on the horizon for the Rams’ quarterback room.
The Monken Connection Is Real
This whole idea isn’t just pulled out of thin air. Kevin Clark from ESPN, dropping some serious insight on “The Mina Kimes Show” this week, laid out the entire scenario. He’s floating the concept that Bennett’s former college offensive coordinator, Todd Monken, might be eager to bring Bennett into the Browns’ current quarterback battle. Monken, who coached Bennett in college, “swears by the guy,” even after a “rocky relationship” that ultimately led to national championships. Clark’s question pretty much sums it up: “Who was Stetson Bennett’s college offensive coordinator, who just swears by the guy?” He followed up by asking if the Browns “should go out and get another quarterback?”
There’s a real logic here for the acquiring team, according to Clark. You’ve got a coach who knows exactly what Bennett can do, someone who has seen him thrive under pressure, despite what critics might say about his physical gifts or “starter upside.” It could be the kind of insider move that shakes things up in a locker room, giving Monken a familiar face in a new environment.
Rams’ Risky Bet
On the Rams’ side, things are pretty clear. They’ve poured a ton of investment into Ty Simpson, who they clearly see as having a shot at becoming a starter one day. Bennett, on the other hand, is definitely not part of the long-term plan; he’s only under contract through this season. The team seems to believe Simpson is “more physically gifted” and possesses that “starter upside” that Bennett simply doesn’t. If Simpson has a “superb, transcendent camp and preseason,” as the chatter goes, then Bennett becomes expendable.
But let’s be real, moving Bennett comes with a risk. If Matthew Stafford misses serious time, and Simpson isn’t ready for prime time, the Rams are in a tough spot. You’d be one unfortunate play away from scrambling to find a replacement who could keep the system alive for multiple games. We’re talking about options like… Jimmy Garoppolo? Yeah, it’s not ideal. The return for Bennett wouldn’t exactly blow Les Snead’s socks off either. We’re talking a sixth, maybe even a seventh, rounder, nowhere near his original 2023 fourth-round draft capital. So, the Rams have to weigh that modest return against the potential downside of shipping him out.
This whole situation really boils down to how much the Rams truly believe in Ty Simpson right now. Are they ready to cut ties with Bennett to make room for their future, even if it means a potential emergency scramble later? It’s a huge decision with real implications for their quarterback depth chart this season. Keep your eyes peeled, because this could get interesting fast.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Turf Show Times.
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