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Garoppolo signed an incentive-laden contract that includes a base of about $3 million. He is suspended for the first two games for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing substances policy.

Garoppolo, a 10-year veteran, played six seasons for the San Francisco 49ers under coach Kyle Shanahan, compiling an 8-0 record against the Rams in regular-season games. General manager Les Snead said Monday that Garoppolo's proven ability to win games and his style of play "fit" in the offense attracted the Rams.

McVay concurred.

"He's been kicking our ass for years," McVay said, "so I've always respected his game."

Last season with the Las Vegas Raiders, Garoppolo suffered a back injury and played in only seven games.

Now he will back up Stafford.

"Got a great leader in Matthew," McVay said. "God forbid, if for whatever reason he does go down or he's not able to play, you've got a guy in Jimmy who's played a lot of meaningful games. He's played in big-time games."

Snead said Bennett has been working out in Dallas, and that new quarterbacks coach Dave Ragone has been in contact with the former Georgia star.

McVay said has not yet spoken to Bennett.

"Looking forward to getting him back and seeing how he's feeling," McVay said, "and we'll just take it a day at a time with him."

Veteran tight end Tyler Higbee, who suffered a knee injury in the playoff loss to Detroit, will go on the physically-unable-to perform list, McVay said.

"He's meant so much to our team," McVay said. "Don't know exactly when to expect him back."

The Rams signed free-agent tight end Colby Parkinson to help fill the void, and second-year pro Davis Allen will have a larger role. Hunter Long was put on injured reserve last December after suffering a knee injury that required surgery.