Key Takeaways:
– Jimmy Garoppolo has signed with the Los Angeles Rams following his release from the Las Vegas Raiders.
– Garoppolo was released only one year after signing a three-year contract with the Raiders.
– He will be positioned as a backup to Matthew Stafford, the Rams’ prominent quarterback.
– The former 49ers’ QB will initially serve a two-game suspension for breaching the NFL’s performance-enhancing drugs policy.
– There will be a quarterback play-off at Las Vegas Raiders this season following Garoppolo’s exit and Brian Hoyer’s cut.
In a swift change of events, former Las Vegas Raiders and San Francisco 49ers quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo, has signed a contract with the Los Angeles Rams. This move followed his recent release from the Raiders, a mere year after signing with them, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on March 15.
Garoppolo’s New Role at the Rams
The new agreement will see Garoppolo serve as a backup to Matthew Stafford, one of the NFL’s leading quarterbacks. This arrangement leverages Garoppolo’s notable experience, including his 43-20 record as a starting quarterback and previous Super Bowl campaign.
Notably, Garoppolo will miss the initial two games of the season because of a suspension he received for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drugs policy. Nevertheless, his presence as a backup would be valuable for the Rams, who are aware of Stafford’s previous injury record and the importance of having a backup capable of winning games.
Furthermore, Rams head coach Sean McVay’s professional relationship with Kyle Shanahan, Garoppolo’s previous coach at the 49ers, is expected to facilitate an easy transition for the new backup quarterback.
Could Garoppolo Have a Starting Role Again?
Garoppolo’s move to the Rams has triggered speculations about a potential resumption of his starting career, alluding to his fairly young age of 32 and impressive record. However, this seems unlikely unless Stafford succumbs to an injury.
His recent performance includes nine interceptions leading to his benching, a record which contributed significantly to the dismissal of Raiders head coach, Josh McDaniels, and general manager, Dave Ziegler. Despite this, some argue that under McVay, known as one of the best quarterback coaches in the NFL, Garoppolo might experience a revival in his career.
Upcoming Quarterback Competition at the Raiders
Current happenings at the Raiders promise a completely different quarterback lineup in 2024. Following the departures of Garoppolo and Brian Hoyer, Aidan O’Connell remains the only expected returning quarterback. Recently, the Raiders signed Gardner Minshew in free agency, but they stopped short of guaranteeing him a starting spot.
Minshew, during his introductory press conference, declared, “It’s going to be competitive. They’re going to try to put together the best quarterback room they can. There’s no promises being made. I just want a chance.”
The offseason presents a full-blown quarterback competition for the Raiders, potentially including a rookie addition. This development comes in the wake of a less-than-ideal quarterback performance in 2023. Until the team acquires a quarterback of the future, all eyes will be on the Raiders in the quarterback market.
This story was originally reported by Heavy.com.
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