The Las Vegas Raiders signed quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to a $67.5 million contract in free agency this offseason. It has now come to light that the deal has a clause titled “Addendum G,” according to Pro Football Talk.
Raiders Quarterback Options Beyond Jimmy Garoppolo
This stipulation was included in the contract because Garoppolo was likely to fail his physical due to a broken foot sustained last year. His injury gave Brock Purdy a chance to start at quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers in 2022.
Garoppolo underwent surgery to repair his foot back in March. However, the addendum includes a void in the quarterback’s contract, provided he cannot pass a physical by opening day.
Although it is May, there are less than 100 days until the opening kickoff for the 2023 regular season. Training camps typically begin in late July or early August, and Garoppolo already missed OTA’s. The new Raiders quarterback missing this much time does not bode well for team chemistry heading into the season.
In the meantime, Las Vegas drafted Aidan O’Connell out of Purdue. he could get some repetitions with the starters. Additionally, the team has the long-standing Josh McDaniels backup quarterback option, Brian Hoyer.
However, there is one other man worth mentioning who is not a member of the quarterback room but is part of the Raiders organization.
Could Tom Brady Replace Jimmy Garoppolo At Quarterback?
The answer to the question, “what will Tom Brady do in retirement” was somewhat simple. Brady would remain a part of the NFL.
Brady had a deal with Fox Sports lined up for when he eventually hung up his cleats. However, he decided to take a year off before joining the team in any capacity. The former player decided to buy a minority share of the Raiders.
With everything coming to light about quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and his contract, the Raiders could be in need of a new starting quarterback. Although he is not under contract with the team, Brady would be in the building if the NFL owners accept his bid for the Raiders.
The future first-ballot Hall of Fame quarterback could be what Las Vegas needs to stay steady in 2023. Even though he has not played under McDaniels offensive scheme since 2019, he is the quarterback most accustomed to it.
Since coming into the league, McDaniels has worked with three different teams. However, he was the offensive coordinator of the Patriots for 13 seasons, all but two of which were with Brady at the helm.
Brady, therefore, is the quarterback who knows this scheme the most. He certainly has the success to prove as much, if his Super Bowl rings in New England are anything to go by.
2001-2006 Tom Brady Highlight Reel
THREAD: pic.twitter.com/jWIaHFx34A
— Baba Yaga (@teabee_szn) July 21, 2021
Other Free Agent Quarterbacks
Matt Ryan joined CBS as a broadcaster this offseason. However, he made a point of saying he is not retiring just yet. If needed, the Raiders could call the former MVP and offer him another chance at NFL glory after his 2022 campaign went off the rails with the Indianapolis Colts.
Speaking of giving people additional opportunities, Carson Wentz is an option at this point in the offseason. The former MVP candidate is looking for any kind of work. Perhaps the Raiders could get something out of Wentz that the Washington Commanders were unable to last year.
A final candidate for the job is Teddy Bridgewater. He is not a flashy guy by any means but has shown that, with a solid running game and a passing attack predicated on the short game, he could get the job done. Bridgewater won’t put up big numbers. However, he is a steady hand for the Raiders if Garoppolo fails his physical and the team needs a starting quarterback.
Main Photo: Candice Ward – USA Today Sports
