After spending the last two seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is considering retirement from the league. Reports say Garoppolo could soon retire as the 34-year-old has spent the past few seasons as a backup, struggling to land a starting job elsewhere. The last time Garoppolo had a start was in 2024, when he threw for 41 attempts and garnered 334 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Overall, the veteran has completed 67.4% of his passes for 15,828 yards with 96 touchdowns and 52 interceptions.
Starting the first three seasons with the New England Patriots behind Tom Brady, the team traded him to the 49ers. Garoppolo recorded 13,599 yards with 82 touchdowns and 42 interceptions. The quarterback spent just one season with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he was later released the following offseason. It’s been a rocky stretch for the veteran, as it’s understandable why he wants to retire. Despite being available, he watched other quarterbacks like Kyler Murray, Kirk Cousins, and a few backup veterans sign with new teams.
NFL Two-Time Super Bowl Champion Jimmy Garoppolo “Mulling” for Retirement – 3 Teams Who Could Take a Chance
Still, no one should expect Garoppolo to return to backup Matthew Stafford. The Rams are working on an extension for Stafford and tried to get Cousins in free agency before he decided to sign with the Raiders. This means that the veteran’s days as a backup are over, but there’s still a decent chance he could receive an opportunity. Garoppolo might need to take a year off if he doesn’t sign with a team by August.
However, he should be able to find a home, at least after this year’s NFL Draft. Garoppolo is no longer in the same frame, but he has the experience to lead an offense temporarily.
Potential Landing Spots
Carolina Panthers
Despite signing Will Grier to a contract this week, the Carolina Panthers need something more explosive. The team traded Andy Dalton due to old age, but it won’t mean the Panthers won’t look into Garoppolo. Starting QB Bryce Young will only be good if he has a reliable veteran behind him and mentoring him. Grier isn’t the exact solution for backup duties, so if the Panthers miss out on drafting a QB in the draft, they could sign a veteran like Garoppolo on a one-year deal.
The Panthers are building one of the most ferocious defenses in the league, signing Devin Lloyd and Jaelan Phillips. Garoppolo joining the Panthers makes sense if Young struggles; he can bounce in and revive the offense.
Indianapolis Colts
Meanwhile, the Anthony Richardson era is over in Indianapolis. Unfortunately, the team has struggled to find a trade partner for him this offseason. If the Colts can’t find a trade partner, the team will likely release him. Starting QB Daniel Jones is on a new two-year deal, but it doesn’t secure a long-term future with the team.
The team could bring in Garoppolo as a bridge for Jones to provide some stability in that QB room.
Atlanta Falcons
Despite signing Tua Tagovailoa this offseason, the Atlanta Falcons have one of the worst supporting units and quarterback rooms in the league. The team hired Kevin Stefanski, and with Tagovailoa coming in as a backup, it’s hard to envision this working out. Michael Penix Jr. is only good if he can stay healthy and consistent. The Falcons haven’t had a long-term QB since the Matt Ryan era.
Atlanta decided to release Cousins despite showing signs of improvement, but the team could turn to Garoppolo to elevate this offense during the season if Penix and Tagovailoa struggle.
