Breaking: Jimmy Garoppolo Suspended by NFL, Future with Raiders in Doubt
In a shocking turn of events, Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has been suspended by the NFL for two games due to a violation of the league’s Performance Enhancing Substances Policy. The suspension comes after Garoppolo was found to have used a prescribed medication without a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption. This news has raised serious questions about Garoppolo’s future with the Raiders.
According to sources, Garoppolo has decided not to appeal the suspension and will miss the first two games of the 2024 season. However, it is highly unlikely that he will be returning to the Raiders. Reports suggest that the team plans to release Garoppolo before the mid-March deadline, avoiding an $11.25 million roster bonus.
This development could have significant financial implications for both Garoppolo and the Raiders. If the suspension stands, it could potentially void the $11.25 million in base salary guarantees owed to Garoppolo by the team. This means that the Raiders might be able to part ways with the quarterback without suffering a major financial setback.
The situation is still unfolding, and it remains to be seen what the final outcome will be. However, one thing is clear: Jimmy Garoppolo’s future with the Las Vegas Raiders is hanging in the balance. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
The 2023 NFL season was a wake-up call for teams, highlighting the importance of having strong backup quarterbacks. Injuries plagued big names like Joe Burrow, Aaron Rodgers, and Deshaun Watson, ending their seasons prematurely. While Jimmy Garoppolo won’t be able to play the first two games of the upcoming season, it’s almost certain that a team will sign him.
Garoppolo has a clean record when it comes to violating league rules and boasts significant starting experience. However, this setback may hinder his chances of becoming a starting quarterback. Not many teams would be willing to entrust their starting quarterback position to a player who will miss the first two games.
The most likely scenario is that Garoppolo will be brought in as a backup or to mentor a rookie quarterback. He holds value in either of these roles, as he has been instrumental in guiding rookie quarterbacks over the past few seasons.
It comes as no surprise that Jimmy Garoppolo won’t be retained by the Raiders next season. He was initially brought in by former head coach Josh McDaniels, who is no longer with the team. Head coach Antonio Pierce had numerous opportunities to play Garoppolo last season but chose not to.
What is surprising, however, is the sudden end of Garoppolo’s tenure with the Raiders. There were discussions about potentially cutting him post-June 1 to maintain salary cap flexibility until next season. However, this may not be necessary if they can void his base salary for 2024.
Regardless, the Raiders will undoubtedly be in the market for a quarterback this offseason. While Brian Hoyer and Aidan O’Connell are already under contract, O’Connell may have a shot at competing for the starting quarterback position. On the other hand, Hoyer is currently at best a third-string quarterback in his career.
If the Raiders don’t opt to draft a rookie quarterback early on, they will likely bring in a veteran to challenge O’Connell now that Garoppolo is unlikely to be part of the team.
Austin Boyd has covered the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Lakers for his work as a sports reporter.
According to the Source heavy.com