Jimmy Garoppolo may have reopened the door to an obvious solution for the Rams’ uncertain backup quarterback situation.
After considering retirement, the 34-year-old veteran is reportedly willing to continue his NFL career if the right opportunity becomes available. According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, a return to Los Angeles remains possible, and Sean McVay would welcome Garoppolo back.
“I love Jimmy. Would absolutely want him back,” McVay said earlier this year. “He’s been tremendous for the last couple of years.”
That possibility creates another problem for Stetson Bennett.
The Rams selected Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the No. 13 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, giving the organization a long-term successor to Matthew Stafford. McVay has publicly described the backup job as a competition between Simpson and Bennett, but it would be surprising if Los Angeles placed its first-round investment behind the former fourth-round pick.
Bennett has spent three years learning McVay’s offense but has yet to appear in a regular-season game. If Simpson claims the No. 2 job and the Rams bring back Garoppolo, Bennett could the odd man out.
Garoppolo would also give Los Angeles a layer of protection it lacked after his contract expired.
Stafford missed much of training camp last year while dealing with a back injury that briefly raised concerns about a possible injured-reserve stint. Garoppolo provided a steady veteran presence during that period, allowing the Rams to manage Stafford carefully without forcing Bennett into a role he had not earned.
Stafford eventually returned and won MVP, but the episode illustrated why Los Angeles may not want Simpson or Bennett to be its only emergency option. Simpson was drafted for the future and throwing him into a championship race before he is ready could disrupt that development.
Garoppolo owns a 43-21 record as a starter and has extensive experience in the NFC West. He may prefer an opportunity to compete for a starting job, but few teams currently offer one.
Arizona has also been mentioned as a possible destination. Indianapolis and New England could use more experienced insurance behind Daniel Jones and Drake Maye, while a San Francisco reunion could become possible if the 49ers trade Mac Jones. Garoppolo could also wait for an injury to create a better opening during camp.
The Rams, however, offer familiarity, a Super Bowl-caliber roster and a coach who has repeatedly praised him.
They also offer something Bennett may not: a proven route onto the field.
