How Jimmy Garoppolo Could Fit With the Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders are preparing for the beginning of free agency, as the new league year kicks off in under two weeks.

The biggest story surrounding the Raiders’ offseason is finding the team’s next franchise quarterback. While they might not find their long-term answer this offseason, they are going to add to the position.

One quarterback who they could pursue is one with familiarity with the regime of Coach Josh McDaniels and General Manager Dave Ziegler -- the Jimmy Garoppolo of the San Francisco 49ers.

ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported that the Raiders are expected to pursue Garoppolo, which would make sense due to his familiarity with McDaniels’ system.

Garoppolo was selected in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots when McDaniels was the offensive coordinator and Ziegler was the assistant director of pro scouting.

He made two starts in place of Tom Brady during the 2016 season after Brady was suspended as a result of the Deflategate scandal. He won both starts, throwing for 502 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions.

Garoppolo was traded to the 49ers in 2017 and spent six seasons there, compiling a 38-17 record and playing in Super Bowl LIV. He is set to hit the open market as the 49ers move forward with either Trey Lance or Brock Purdy.

Garoppolo has a winning pedigree but has dealt with various injuries throughout his career, including a torn ACL in 2018 and a high ankle sprain that took away most of his 2020 season. He also broke his foot in Week 13 this past season and did not return.

As the Raiders look to find their replacement for Derek Carr, Garoppolo is a name that makes sense for multiple reasons. He could seamlessly fit in McDaniels’ system, and when healthy, is a talented quarterback. He had the best season of his career the year the 49ers went to the Super Bowl, passing for 3,978 yards and 27 touchdowns.

Even if Garoppolo is not the Raiders’ long term answer, he could be someone they bring in for a few years as they develop a younger quarterback. Even if they do this, they still increase their chances of winning in the short term if he’s their starter.

The 2023 NFL Draft will go from April 27-29 and be held at Union Station in Kansas City, Mo. On March 7, 2023, before 4 p.m. EST, is the club's deadline to designate Franchise or Transition Players.

March 13-15 is the free agent negotiation period. During that time, starting at 12 p.m. EDT on March 13 and ending at 3:59:59 p.m. EDT on March 15, clubs are permitted to contact and enter into contract negotiations with the certified agents of players who will become Unrestricted Free Agents upon the expiration of their 2022 Player Contracts at 4 p.m EDT on March 15.

The 2023 NFL Year and Free Agency period begins at 4 p.m. EDT on March 15. The Raiders are expected to be significant players in the free-agent market this season.

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