In news that should surprise absolutely nobody, the Las Vegas Raiders are planning to cut Jimmy Garoppolo and set him loose on the free agent market. After a mostly successful six-year run with the San Francisco 49ers, the quarterback signed a three-year, $72.5 million contract with the Raiders following the emergence of Brock Purdy. Reunited with former offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, Vegas believed the former second-round pick would thrive with his former coach.
Instead, Garoppolo struggled. Once again battling injuries and ineffectiveness, the former 49er started just six games, completing 65.1% of his passes for 1,205 yards, seven touchdowns, and nine interceptions. The team replaced McDaniels and Jimmy Garoppolo in the same week, and now the quarterback is going to be a free agent for the second time in as many seasons.
Despite his lackluster run with the Raiders, a recent report indicates that multiple teams are interested in signing Jimmy Garoppolo as a free agent.
The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to cut QB Jimmy Garoppolo tomorrow, per sources.
There are a few teams interested.— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 12, 2024
“A Few Teams Interested” In Impending Free Agent Jimmy Garoppolo
Russini’s report indicates that some teams will want to sign Jimmy Garoppolo as a free agent, but it’s safe to say nobody wants to hand him a massive contract. Even at the time, Garoppolo’s $72 million deal was largely viewed as a bad one, and nobody will want him to be anything more than a bridge quarterback or high-end backup this time around.
With that being said, there is still plenty of value to be had in finding the right backup quarterback. For instance, last year a talented New York Jets roster went 7-10 simply because Zach Wilson couldn’t keep the ship afloat. Say what you will about Garoppolo, but he can execute a basic offense, which will get him a job.
Russini’s tweet doesn’t indicate which teams will be interested in signing Jimmy Garoppolo as a free agent. Still, looking around the league, we can make a few guesses as to who might be going after the veteran.
Best Team Fits
Minnesota Vikings
There is no way the Minnesota Vikings go into the 2024 NFL Draft with Sam Darnold as their only notable quarterback on the roster. The former third-overall pick has been one of the worst passers in the league by every metric imaginable, and Justin Jefferson will demand a trade if this is the best the team can do. By signing Jimmy Garoppolo as a free agent, the team can have a quarterback battle while still prioritizing trading up for a young quarterback in the draft.
New Orleans Saints
Jameis Winston is a Cleveland Brown, which means that this team will need a new backup next year. Head coach Dennis Allen prefers within a system, execute the plays as called, and don’t try to play hero ball. While Jimmy Garoppolo cannot make plays out of structure, the free agent is more than capable of being a glorified pitching machine in the event Derek Carr suffers an injury.
Indianapolis Colts
Gardner Minshew played his way out of Indianapolis. After nearly guiding the Colts to an unexpected playoff birth, the career journeyman earned the opportunity to compete for a starting job in Vegas. So, with the former Jaguar gone, the Colts could bring in Jimmy Garoppolo as a free agent to back up Anthony Richardson. While these two have dramatically different playing styles, head coach Shane Steichen might prefer a more in-structure quarterback to take over if Richardson struggles to stay healthy for the second consecutive season.
Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert is the answer under center, but Easton Stick is not. The Chargers longtime backup did as well as could be expected in Herbert’s absence, but the fact of the matter is the team went 0-5 with him under center. Head coach Jim Harbaugh probably wants a better insurance policy, and signing Garoppolo shouldn’t break the bank.
Kansas City Chiefs
Historically speaking, the Kansas City Chiefs prefer an experienced quarterback backing up their starter. Chad Henne held the role for years before passing the torch to Blaine Gabbert in 2023. Say what you will about Jimmy Garoppolo, but he’s a lot better than Gabbert, and neither player should cost too much as a free agent.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
