On the same day that the Los Angeles Rams said goodbye to superstar Aaron Donald, the team chose to negotiate a one-year contract with former Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, according to NFL Network reporter Mike Garafolo.
Jimmy Garoppolo has two Super Bowl crowns with the New England Patriots, following Tom Brady, a Super Bowl start with the San Francisco 49ers in 2019 and an NFC Championship berth in 2021. Many of his critics have good points regarding his style of play, but the main line is that he has been there before.
Last year, the Los Angeles Rams were grateful to have Matthew Stafford for the most of the season. The outstanding quarterback led them to the playoffs, where they played Stafford’s former team, the Detroit Lions.
That being said, Carson Wentz, another throwback quarterback, saw some play near the close of the season as the team was in a position to rest their starter, Stafford. Wentz performed well enough to be considered for the backup slot. However, the team’s decision to sign Garoppolo indicates that they are unsure about Wentz.
Last year, Jimmy Garoppolo passed for 1,205 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions in Las Vegas before being replaced by Aidan O’Connell, who is now competing for the starting job with incoming Raider Gardner Minshew.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport said on February 16 that Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who was also suspended by the NFL for two games for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substance policy, was expected to be dismissed. When Garoppolo signed in Las Vegas, he had a three-year, $72.75 million contract. By removing him, the Raiders will save $11.2 million.
This move may perplex some Rams fans, but keep in mind that this is the same team that signed Odell Beckham Jr after many believed his career was ended, only for him to play a vital role in their Super Bowl victory. Garoppolo must have impressed GM Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay to get a chance in Los Angeles.
In a year when quarterback consolidation seems to be the norm, the Rams appear to be piling up. Stafford, a potential Hall of Famer, is flinging the rock for them, so they’re still in the hunt. However, he is older and more prone to injuries. We’ll see if Garoppolo plays next year. If that’s the case, he’ll undoubtedly be the center of attention in Los Angeles.
