Rams settle quarterback hierarchy; Cardinals lock in Michael Wilson
Los Angeles Rams confirm Stetson Bennett as backup to Matthew Stafford, while Arizona Cardinals extend wide receiver Michael Wilson through 2029.
The Los Angeles Rams have formalised their quarterback hierarchy for the 2026 season, naming Stetson Bennett as the primary backup to Matthew Stafford. Head coach Sean McVay’s decision places rookie Ty Simpson, selected with the 13th overall pick in the April draft, in the third-string role. The move follows a training camp period in which both Bennett and Simpson received extensive preseason repetitions, with Bennett ultimately securing the edge for the No. 2 position.
The depth chart release comes as the Rams prepare to travel to Australia for their Week 1 match against the San Francisco 49ers. Simpson’s placement reflects the team’s earlier indication that he would sit and learn during his rookie year. This approach is particularly relevant given the uncertainty surrounding Stafford’s timeline, as the veteran has been the subject of retirement rumours over the past couple of years.
Meanwhile, the Arizona Cardinals have reached an agreement on a three-year contract extension with wide receiver Michael Wilson. The deal keeps the 26-year-old under contract with the franchise through the 2029 season. Wilson, originally selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Stanford, has established himself as a primary target in the Cardinals’ offence alongside tight end Trey McBride.
According to reports from ESPN and NFL Network, Wilson is expected to officially sign the contract on Thursday. This occurs ahead of Arizona’s regular-season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers on 13 September. The extension provides the Cardinals with long-term stability at a key offensive position.
Elsewhere in the league, the Chicago Bears are managing practice injuries involving wide receiver Rome Odunze and running back D’Andre Swift. The nature and severity of these injuries have not yet been specified, but they represent a potential concern for the team as the regular season approaches.
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo has also provided insight into his recovery process. Skattebo, who suffered a dislocated ankle, open tibia fracture, and ruptured deltoid ligament in Week 8 of last year, revealed he briefly considered retirement approximately one month into his rehabilitation.
