Jimmy Garoppolo entered the NFL after being chosen in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He was regarded as the potential heir to Tom Brady for the New England Patriots. However, that never came to fruition, and the quarterback was eventually traded to the San Francisco 49ers.
The Raiders signed Garoppolo with high hopes of replacing Carr and leading the team to success. However, it turned out to be an unsuccessful move, leading to the immediate sacking of head coach Josh McDaniels. Garoppolo’s tenure with the Raiders came to an end as he decided to join the Los Angeles Rams.
Rams rumored to sign Jimmy Garoppolo
The latest buzz in NFL circles surrounds the Rams’ rumored signing of Jimmy Garoppolo. As per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, he has reportedly inked a one-year deal with the Rams, marking a significant move after his release from the Raiders earlier this week, via NBC Sports.
The signal-caller’s departure from the Raiders came after an injury-plagued season and a suspension for violating the league’s PED policy, resulting in his release. This paved the way for Aidan O’Connell and recent acquisition Gardner Minshew II to contend for the Raiders’ starting QB position, possibly with further competition from an upcoming draft pick.
For the Rams, Jimmy Garoppolo’s role as a seasoned backup and potential spot starter complements Matthew Stafford’s leadership. Coach Sean McVay has long expressed admiration for him by highlighting the veteran’s value as a reliable option behind Stafford.
With Stafford now 36, the Rams must keep an eye on quarterback succession planning for the future. They may also remain open to drafting a quarterback, albeit with less urgency. Speculation persists about selecting Stafford’s successor in the early rounds, but Garoppolo’s presence offers a cushion. It reduced the immediate need for a first-round quarterback.
Jimmy Garoppolo’s performance at Raiders
Jimmy Garoppolo started the 2023 season as the Raiders’ starting QB, but his performance left much to be desired. It ultimately prompted the team’s new head coach, Antonio Pierce, to make the tough decision of benching him. Garoppolo managed a 3-3 record as a starter, accumulating 1,205 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and nine interceptions along the way.
The Super Bowl champion endured career lows in key metrics such as completion percentage (65.1%), passer rating (77.7), and QBR (34.2), signaling a decline in his overall effectiveness as a QB1. Even his brief appearance in the final game of the season against the Denver Broncos, where he logged a mere three snaps, failed to alter the scenario of his disappointing performance.
Jimmy Garoppolo’s career statistics still showcase his capabilities, with 15,494 passing yards, 94 touchdowns, and 51 interceptions to his name. However, his future in the NFL remains uncertain, as teams weigh his past accomplishments against his recent struggles to determine his value moving forward. Now, it remains to be seen how he performs with the Rams.
