NFL Free Agency: Fantasy Football Impact of Jimmy Garoppolo Signing With Raiders
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According to reports, Jimmy Garoppolo is signing a three-year, $67.5 million contract to be the starting quarterback for the Raiders. He’ll replace Derek Carr, who was released by Las Vegas and signed with the Saints.
It’s a great fit for Garoppolo, as he knows the offense of coach Josh McDaniels well from their time together in New England. He’ll also have a nice collection of pieces on the offensive side, including NFL rushing leader Josh Jacobs (franchise tag), stud wideout Davante Adams, Darren Waller and Hunter Renfrow.
This of course is all good news for the veteran quarterback.
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Garoppolo hasn’t been the most durable player in the NFL, missing 18 games over the last three years due to injuries. He’s also not been a great fantasy quarterback overall, averaging no more 15.2 fantasy points in each of his last three seasons. His best fantasy campaign came in 2019 with the 49ers, when he threw for nearly 4,000 yards and 27 touchdowns. Still, he averaged a modest 15.5 fantasy points a game.
Garoppolo also had a good season in 2021, averaging 15.2 points per game while surrounded by weapons like Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle. While Garoppolo can be useful in a matchup-based fashion, he isn’t going to be selected as more than a No. 2 quarterback in most 2023 fantasy football drafts.
His presence in the offense shouldn’t hurt Jacobs and it won’t significantly hurt Adams or Waller at their respective positions. Adams is currently being drafted as the No. 2 wide receiver behind Justin Jefferson and will likely remain in that range now that fantasy football players know he has a capable and competent passer throwing him the ball.
If Garoppolo is forced to miss time, Adams and Waller could have some problems producing the stud stats fantasy players have come to expect. Raiders former backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham has signed with the Broncos, so Las Vegas doesn’t have a good Plan B at this point. Still, it’s a good spot for Jimmy G considering the familiarity with McDaniels' offense and the supporting cast on offense.
