Jimmy Garoppolo has not done well with the Las Vegas Raiders, and the events of the past 24 hours are a fitting way to spell the end of the quarterback’s tenure with the organization. The two-time Super Bowl champion received a two-game suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on banned substances. As if this wasn’t bad enough, this suspension voids $11.25 million in contract guarantees, meaning that the Raiders can part ways with him with no financial repercussions.
So, is this the end of the road for Jimmy Garoppolo? Originally selected as the heir apparent to Tom Brady, the Eastern Illinois product spent his early years waiting for Father Time to catch up with the greatest quarterback ever. That never happened, as Brady beat the clock and the Patriots sent Garoppolo over to the San Francisco 49ers. After a few decent seasons, Brock Purdy took over and the rest is history.
Will Jimmy Garoppolo Ever Play Again? 5 Teams That Could Sign Him
Jimmy Garoppolo appeared in a whopping seven games for the Raiders, making six starts while completing 65.1% of his passes for 1,205 yards, seven touchdowns, and nine interceptions. The team eventually pivoted to fifth-round rookie Aidan O’Connell, spelling the end of Garoppolo’s time 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.
There is a chance that Jimmy Garoppolo simply won’t want to be a backup quarterback. Even with his forfeited signing bonus, the man has made a comfortable living in the NFL and has an extensive injury history. If he doesn’t want to put his body through the grind of a full NFL season just to be a backup, then we’ve probably seen the last of Jimmy Garoppolo. However, if he’s ok with holding a clipboard, these five teams should be interested.
Best Free Agent Fits
Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa is a fine starting quarterback and he managed to play a full season in 2023. However, concussions are dangerous, and they’re one of the few injuries where you’re more likely to suffer a second one after you receive a first. Head coach Mike McDaniel spent time with Jimmy Garoppolo while the two were in San Francisco, so he knows the longtime veteran will be able to execute his system if called upon. If nothing else, he’s better than Mike White.
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots have the opportunity to come full circle with Jimmy Garoppolo. While the quarterback will not be under center in Week 1, he could help mentor whoever the Patriots end up drafting. With Mac Jones destined to be traded, somebody will have to help the next youngster get acclimated to life in Foxboro.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs have been rolling with older veteran backup quarterbacks for the entirety of the Patrick Mahomes Era. Whether it was Chad Henne or Blaine Gabbert, head coach Andy Reid seems to prefer an older, experienced veteran quarterback who won’t singlehandedly lose a game if something happens to Mahomes. Jimmy Garoppolo fits this description to a tee and is a much better option than Gabbert. With the former Jaguar also a free agent, Kansas City could decide to upgrade their backup position.
Los Angeles Chargers
Jimmy Garoppolo is no Justin Herbert, but he is better than Easton Stick. The Chargers crashed and burned down the stretch without Herbert, and first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh will want to have a better insurance policy in case of injury. Garoppolo is a limited passer, but Harbaugh got the most out of a similar player in Alex Smith back in 2011. Should the worst happen with Herbert, history might repeat itself with Garoppolo.
New York Jets
The New York Jets are in the market for a new backup quarterback. Zach Wilson has failed for the last time, and Aaron Rodgers is anything but a sure bet. Garoppolo might have a tough time surviving behind this makeshift offensive line, but he can rely on a great receiver in Garrett Wilson and a great running back in Breece Hall to make life easier for him should Rodgers’ Achilles keep acting up.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
