Dec 10, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell (left) shakes hands with Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) after the game at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The events of the last day are a fitting way to mark the conclusion of Jimmy Garoppolo’s time with the Las Vegas Raiders. The quarterback has not performed well with the team. The two-time Super Bowl champion was suspended for two games for breaking the NFL’s drug ban. As if things couldn’t get any worse, the Raiders can fire him without facing any financial consequences because his suspension nullifies $11.25 million in contractual commitments.
Does this mean Jimmy Garoppolo’s career is over? The Eastern Illinois product, who was once chosen as Tom Brady’s heir apparent, had to wait for Father Time to catch up with the greatest quarterback in history during his formative years. Brady outran the clock, and the Patriots traded Garoppolo to the San Francisco 49ers, so it never occurred. Following several strong seasons, Brock Purdy assumed leadership, and the rest is history.
Is Jimmy Garoppolo Going to Play Anymore? Five Teams That Might Sign Him
Jimmy Garoppolo played in an incredible seven Raiders games, starting six of them and accounting for 1,205 yards, seven touchdowns, and nine interceptions on 65.1% of his passes. Eventually, the team decided to start Aidan O’Connell, a rookie selected in the fifth round, marking Garoppolo’s last season as a starter.
Following this ugly campaign, nobody is going to sign Jimmy Garoppolo to be a starter, even before you consider the two-game suspension. However, while he isn’t a starting-caliber quarterback anymore, he’d still be a reliable backup who can provide a veteran voice for a young passer.
Jimmy Garoppolo might decide he doesn’t want to be the backup quarterback. The individual has a long history of injuries and has made a decent living in the NFL despite having forfeited his signing money. Jimmy Garoppolo is most likely done for good if he doesn’t want to subject his body to the rigors of an NFL season in order to be a backup. However, these five organizations ought to be interested if he’s okay with carrying a clipboard.
Dolphins’ Best Free Agent Fits
2023 saw Tua Tagovailoa play a complete season and establish himself as a good starting quarterback. Concussions are one of the only injuries where you are more likely to get another one after you have your first, but they are nonetheless dangerous. While the two were in San Francisco, head coach Mike McDaniel got to know Jimmy Garoppolo, and he believes the seasoned veteran can carry out his system when necessary. He’s at least superior to Mike White.
Patriots of New England
Jimmy Garoppolo offers the New England Patriots the chance to complete a circle. Even if the quarterback won’t start the season under center, he might serve as a mentor for the player the Patriots choose. Given that Mac Jones is bound to be traded, someone will need to assist the next child in settling into Foxboro.
The Chiefs of Kansas City
Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs have used veteran backup quarterbacks who are older to start the season. Head coach Andy Reid seemed to favor an older, more seasoned veteran quarterback who can’t win a game on his own in the event that Mahomes is injured, whether it was Blaine Gabbert or Chad Henne. This is exactly how Jimmy Garoppolo fits the bill, and he is a far superior choice than Gabbert. The former Jaguar is a free agent as well, so Kansas City may choose to improve their backup plan.
Chargers of Los Angeles
Though he’s not Justin Herbert, Jimmy Garoppolo is still an improvement than Easton Stick. Without Herbert, the Chargers faltered down the stretch, and Jim Harbaugh, the team’s first-year head coach, will want to have a better insurance plan in case of an injury. Garoppolo is a limited passer, but in 2011, Harbaugh made the most of a player who was comparable in Alex Smith. If the worst were to happen to Herbert, Garoppolo might be a rerun of history.
Jets in New York
A new backup quarterback is needed by the New York Jets. Aaron Rodgers is everything from a sure thing, and Zach Wilson has finally lost. Although Garoppolo may struggle to stay afloat behind this improvised offensive line, he has two excellent receivers in Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall to help him in the event that Aaron Rodgers’ Achilles continues to bother him.
