2023 Performance and Career Statistics
Stetson Bennett completed 253 of 422 passes for 3,244 yards and 30 touchdowns in the 2023 season, while rushing for 410 yards and 5 touchdowns, leading the Georgia Bulldogs to a 13–1 record and a national championship. His passer rating was 156.1, and he was named the offensive MVP of the College Football Playoff National Championship game. For detailed career stats and game logs, see the official NCAA statistics database at NCAA Official Statistics.
Bennett’s 2023 performance placed him in the top 5 nationally in passing yards per game and completion percentage, with his 30 touchdown passes tying the Georgia single-season record. He also set the program record for total offense in a championship game, accumulating 372 yards of total offense. His completion percentage of 60.0% and 2.8 yards per attempt reflect a high-efficiency season under pressure.
Contract Value and Financial Terms
Stetson Bennett declared for the 2024 NFL Draft and signed a rookie contract with the Los Angeles Rams, with a four-year deal valued at approximately $4.2 million, including a $1.1 million signing bonus and a base salary of $985,000 for the first year. The contract details follow the standard rookie wage scale for first-round picks, with incremental increases tied to playing time and roster status. For the full contract structure and salary cap implications, see the official NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement summary at NFLPA CBA Resources.
The average annual value of Bennett’s contract is approximately $1.05 million, making him one of the lower-paid first-round quarterbacks in the 2024 class, reflecting his draft position and perceived developmental timeline. His cap hit in the first year is projected at $1.4 million, with a dead cap value of $1.1 million if he is released before the contract expires. The total guaranteed money is $1.1 million, with the remaining $3.1 million fully guaranteed at signing.
Draft Position and Market Impact
Draft Selection and Team Strategy
Bennett was selected 172nd overall in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams in the fifth round, a pick that addressed the team’s need for a developmental quarterback behind Matthew Stafford. The Rams traded up from their original fifth-round position to acquire him, giving up a sixth-round pick to move from 180th to 172nd. For the full draft trade details and pick values, see the official NFL draft tracker at NFL Draft Tracker.
The Rams’ decision to draft Bennett reflects a strategy of acquiring high-ceiling college quarterbacks at a low cost, with the potential for significant upside if he develops into a starter. His contract is structured to minimize long-term cap risk, with only $1.1 million fully guaranteed, allowing the team flexibility to release or trade him after the rookie contract expires. The fifth-round pick value is estimated at $2.5 million in cap space, making the acquisition cost-effective for a franchise quarterback.
Financial Comparison and Industry Context
Bennett’s rookie contract is below the average first-round quarterback deal, which typically exceeds $10 million in total value, but aligns with the trend of late-round quarterbacks receiving modest guarantees. The average annual salary for a fifth-round quarterback in the 2024 class is $1.1 million, with a median