Jimmy Garoppolo may have reopened the door to a familiar solution for the Los Angeles Rams’ uncertain backup quarterback situation.
After weighing retirement, the 34-year-old veteran is reportedly willing to extend his NFL career should the right opportunity arise. According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, a return to Los Angeles remains a distinct possibility, and head coach Sean McVay has made clear he 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 complicates the outlook for Stetson Bennett.
The Rams selected Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, securing a long-term successor to Matthew Stafford. McVay has publicly framed the backup role as a competition between Simpson and Bennett, though it would be surprising if Los Angeles placed its first-round investment behind a former fourth-round selection.
Bennett has spent three years absorbing 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 find himself the odd man out.
Garoppolo would also provide Los Angeles a layer of insurance it lacked after his contract expired.
Stafford missed significant portions of training camp last year while managing a back injury that briefly raised the possibility of an injured-reserve stint. Garoppolo offered a steady veteran presence during that stretch, allowing the Rams to handle Stafford cautiously without thrusting Bennett into a role he had not yet earned.
Stafford ultimately returned and captured MVP honors, but the episode underscored why Los Angeles may be reluctant to enter a championship-contending season with only Simpson or Bennett as emergency options. Simpson was drafted for the future; forcing him into action before he is ready could disrupt that development.
Garoppolo owns a 43-21 record as a starter and possesses extensive experience in the NFC West. While he may prefer an opportunity to compete for a starting job, few teams currently offer such a path.
Arizona has also been mentioned as a potential destination. Indianapolis and New England could use more experienced insurance behind Daniel Jones and Drake Maye, respectively, while a San Francisco reunion could materialize if the 49ers move on from Mac Jones. Garoppolo could also opt to wait for a training-camp injury to create a more favorable opening.
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.
