Before the commencement of the 2023 season, the Las Vegas Raiders were in search of an experienced quarterback after having failed to secure Tom Brady. Meanwhile, Jimmy Garoppolo was seeking a team to join. Eventually, their mutual needs led to a three-year agreement between Garoppolo and the Raiders.
However, as the 2023 season unfolded, the Raiders began to realize their error in signing Garoppolo, especially considering his on-field performance. The situation intensified as the NFL aimed its scrutiny at the starting quarterback, resulting in his suspension.
Jimmy Garoppolo served with two-game suspension
Jimmy Garoppolo faces a setback as he is slated to miss the first two games of the 2024 NFL season due to a suspension for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy. This suspension, reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, stems from his use of prescribed medication without obtaining a valid therapeutic use exemption from the NFL.
While Garoppolo will be permitted to take part in all offseason activities as per NFL regulations, he will be sidelined from team activities for two weeks once the regular season commences due to suspension.
Entering his 11th NFL season, Garoppolo’s journey began when he was drafted as a second-round pick by the New England Patriots in 2014. Despite starting just two games with the Patriots, he eventually found his stride with the San Francisco 49ers, where he spent seven seasons as the team’s quarterback.
Following a season-ending foot injury that marked the conclusion of his tenure with the 49ers, the 32-year-old embarked on a new chapter by signing with the Las Vegas team, reuniting with head coach Josh McDaniels.
Jimmy Garoppolo’s future hangs in balance
The latest reports indicate that the Raiders are poised to part ways with Jimmy Garoppolo before the fifth day of the upcoming league year, expected in mid-March. Amidst coaching changes, with Antonio Pierce taking the reins after the dismissal of Josh McDaniels, uncertainty surrounds Jimmy Garoppolo’s future in Las Vegas.
Garoppolo previously signed a lucrative three-year, $72.75 million contract with the Raiders in March, with $33.75 million guaranteed.
The decision to release him before the fifth day of the new league year not only signifies the Raiders’ strategic roster adjustments but also allows them to avoid paying the quarterback the $11.25 million he was slated to earn at that juncture, according to ESPN. This financial maneuver aligns with the team’s strategic approach to player contracts and salary cap management.
This impending move suggests that the Raiders are actively seeking to add a new quarterback, possibly through the draft, and might explore the option of trading up from their current No. 13 pick.
