According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and the Los Angeles Rams reached a one-year agreement on Friday.
Not long after the NFL’s 2024 season began, Garoppolo was released by the Las Vegas Raiders. Since his anticipated departure was initially reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter in February, the move was widely anticipated.
That came at the same time as the 32-year-old was suspended for two games, perhaps ending his career with the Raiders.
It was enough to question Garoppolo’s long-term future in Sin City after his performance. With a 78.1 passing rating over six starts, he completed passes for 1,205 yards, seven touchdowns, and nine interceptions.
Jimmy Garoppolo’s journey in Las Vegas Raiders
Aidan O’Connell was designated the starting quarterback ahead of the team’s Week 8 game against the New York Giants by then-interim head coach Antonio Pierce, and he didn’t look back.
Only one more game did Garoppolo play, starting three snaps in the Week 18 victory over the Denver Broncos. The way the season played out called into question what had come to be accepted as Jimmy G’s conventional wisdom.
With the expectation that he would have a high floor, the Raiders signed him to replace Derek Carr. He had spent his tenure with the San Francisco 49ers as an above-average, and possibly even fringe top-10, quarterback when healthy.
But he didn’t appear to be a reliable starting choice outside of Kyle Shanahan’s scheme.
Garoppolo’s two-game suspension ended any chance of him starting the first week of a new squad. Without the ban, that could have been the case.
Going forward, Garoppolo’s worth would be much better represented by using him as a top-tier backup or spot starter. His arrival gives the Rams’ quarterback group, which is led by Matthew Stafford, a welcome boost.
A strong backup is a priceless asset, especially in light of the quarterback situation from the previous season.