Just a year following the Las Vegas Raiders’ three-year contract offer to Jimmy Garoppolo, he finds himself back in the realm of free agency following his recent release from the team.
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Nevertheless, his time as a free agent was short-lived, as news broke on March 15, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, that Garoppolo will be joining the Los Angeles Rams with a new contract.
Rams are signing former Raiders and 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo, per source..
NFL suspended Garoppolo two games for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drugs policy.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2024
Garoppolo’s debut with the Rams will have to wait as he faces a two-game suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs. This marks a significant shift for him, being signed specifically as a backup for the first time.
Despite being relegated to a backup role, Garoppolo’s signing holds value for the Rams, especially with Matthew Stafford leading the team as one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks. Garoppolo’s experience and capability to step in and win games are vital assets, particularly considering Stafford’s injury history.
Furthermore, the familiarity between Garoppolo and head coach Sean McVay, stemming from their shared coaching roots with Kyle Shanahan, adds to the ease of integration for the quarterback within the Rams’ system. This familiarity should facilitate a smooth transition for Garoppolo into his new role.
Is Jimmy Garoppolo Done Being a Starter?
It’s indeed surprising that several teams, including the Raiders, currently lack a set starter and haven’t considered giving Jimmy Garoppolo a chance to prove himself. Despite his role as a backup with the Rams, where he won’t compete for the starting position unless Matthew Stafford is sidelined, Garoppolo boasts a commendable 43-20 record as a starter and has even guided a team to the Super Bowl.
However, his recent struggles, including leading the NFL in interceptions at the time of his benching, raise concerns about his consistency and performance. In fact, his subpar play likely contributed to the dismissal of head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler. At 32 years old, Garoppolo still has time to potentially secure another starting job, but his skill set may be better suited for a backup role moving forward.
Nevertheless, under the guidance of Sean McVay, renowned as one of the NFL’s top quarterback coaches, there’s a chance that Garoppolo could experience a resurgence. McVay’s expertise and coaching prowess might help rejuvenate Garoppolo’s game and maximize his potential in the Rams’ system.
Las Vegas Raiders to Have QB Competition
The quarterback landscape for the Raiders in 2024 is poised for significant change. With Jimmy Garoppolo and Brian Hoyer no longer in the picture, Aidan O’Connell stands as the lone returning quarterback for the team.
In a move to bolster their quarterback options, the Raiders acquired Gardner Minshew in free agency, although without a guaranteed starting position. Minshew emphasized the competitive nature of the situation during his introductory press conference on March 14, expressing a desire for a fair opportunity rather than assurances.
With the potential addition of a rookie quarterback, the Raiders are gearing up for a thorough quarterback competition this offseason. Following a lackluster quarterback performance in 2023, the team is in dire need of stability and a vision for the future at the quarterback position. Until they find a quarterback they can build around, the Raiders will remain a focal point in the quarterback market, making their moves one to watch in the NFL landscape.
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