Jimmy Garoppolo’s Las Vegas Raiders run is coming to an end.
The two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback is reported to hit free agency by Wednesday, ending his Raiders tenure after one season. Which teams may become interested in his services? Here’s a look.
Jimmy Garoppolo Free Agency Landing Spots
As NFL insider Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported on Tuesday, the Raiders are expected to cut Garoppolo by Wednesday. The franchise signed him to a blockbuster $72.75 million deal just one year ago, but Garoppolo was eventually benched in favor of rookie Aidan O’Connell toward the end of the ’23 season.
With Garoppolo soon hitting the open market, let’s examine which teams could be interested in signing the veteran quarterback.
Houston Texans Offense Familiar for Garoppolo
The Houston Texans are in excellent hands with 2023 Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud under center. But what if he goes down with an injury?
As a team that could use some veteran insurance, Houston presents a strong fit for Garoppolo. And, the team operates an offense he’s familiar with.
Offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik brought a San Francisco 49ers-like scheme to Houston as offensive coordinator. Slowik was with Garoppolo in the Bay Area from 2017-2022 — a time that the veteran signal-caller spent in San Francisco.
Slowik was an offensive pass game specialist in 2021 when Garoppolo helped lead the Niners to the NFC title game. That was also Garoppolo’s last 3,000-yard season (3,810 yards). He could provide the Texans with a formidable insurance policy behind Stroud.
Denver Broncos Presents Possible QB Competition
Russell Wilson is gone and soon to be officially signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Jarrett Stidham has a chance to become QB1 in the Rocky Mountains for 2024, especially after taking over for Wilson in the final two games of last season. But Denver presents a chance for Garoppolo to pursue a starting role or a backup spot.
Granted, Denver could still turn to QB at No. 12 in the draft — with many draft experts believing Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy to be available at that juncture. Garoppolo, though, might be intrigued about playing in Sean Payton’s West Coast offense.
Regardless, QB depth is needed in Denver. Garoppolo can help provide just that while staying in the AFC West.
Indianapolis Colts Have Backup Opening
Before signing with the Raiders, Garoppolo’s name once was a popular candidate to land with the Indianapolis Colts in 2022. The Colts instead went with a different Kyle Shanahan protégé: Matt Ryan.
Now, Indy presents a chance for Garoppolo to continue his career, even if it means playing on a lesser deal.
KEEP READING: Free Agency Grades Day 1
The Colts have an opening after backup and Pro Bowler Gardner Minshew II agreed to terms on a two-year, $25 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday. Minshew helped carry the Colts offense after rookie Anthony Richardson went down with a right shoulder injury.
With Minshew, the Colts had the comfort of knowing a veteran backup was waiting in the wings in case disaster struck with their rookie first-round pick, Richardson. Garoppolo could now serve as the 2024 version of Minshew for Indy if interest is mutual.
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