Garoppolo Reunites with Former Patriots Colleagues in New Raiders Deal
March 14, 2023
Hunter Macias
Garoppolo's signing marks the end of an era for the Raiders' longtime quarterback, Derek Carr
Las Vegas Raiders
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Raiders, Jimmy Garoppolo agree to terms on 3-year contract
On the very first day of the legal tampering period, the Raiders secured a three-year contract with none other than former 49ers quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo. The 31-year-old has a proven track record of guiding his teams to success, having led the 49ers to one Super Bowl appearance and two NFC championship games in six seasons. Garoppolo's signing marks the end of an era for the Raiders' longtime quarterback, Derek Carr, who was released after falling out of favor last season. Carr was set to earn a whopping $33 million in 2023 and $73 million over the next two seasons, making him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league. In contrast, Garoppolo's contract is far more cost-effective, coming in at $45 million guaranteed over a two-year deal, or just over $22 million per season.
The money saved by signing Garoppolo will enable the Raiders to address their multitude of needs across the roster, particularly on defense. With multiple starters and depth at all levels required, the Raiders will be able to invest wisely to strengthen their team for the upcoming season. But Garoppolo's signing is not just about the money. The quarterback reunites with Raiders coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler, both of whom worked with him during his time in New England. That familiarity was a key factor in Garoppolo's decision to sign with the Raiders instead of the Texans, who were also vying for his services. The length and sturdiness of the bridge that Garoppolo provides is largely dependent on his ability to stay healthy, which has been an ongoing issue for him. Despite having a stellar record as a starter, going 40-17, Garoppolo has only managed to play one full season, in 2019, due to constant injuries. If he can stay healthy, he could prove to be an effective quarterback for the Raiders.
Of course, staying healthy is easier said than done, which is why the Raiders are now looking to bring in a quality backup or invest in a quarterback they can groom for the future. Last season's backup, Jarrett Stidham, has left for the Broncos on a two-year contract, leaving the Raiders in need of a solid backup. Garoppolo's deal guarantees him $34 million upfront, with the chance to earn more through incentives if he plays the 2023 and 2024 seasons with the Raiders. By not getting tied up on a long-term deal, the Raiders can now turn to the draft to potentially bring in their quarterback of the future.
Is Signing Jimmy G A Smart Decision?
Some may argue that the move was predictable, but that doesn't make it a bad decision. In fact, it was a brilliant move by the Raiders. Garoppolo, if he can stay healthy, is a talented quarterback who can make the team a legitimate playoff contender in one of the toughest divisions in football. Now, some may argue that Derek Carr is a good quarterback and that the Saints weren't sold damaged goods. And while that may be true, there's no denying that Garoppolo is a better fit for the Raiders. He's a decisive presnap-determined thrower who is suited for a regimented structure, which is exactly what the Raiders need. Garoppolo's snap-to-throw time is far closer to that of Tom Brady, which means that he's able to make quick and accurate decisions on the field. And with the addition of Davante Adams to the roster, Garoppolo will have no lag time in acclimating to the team's offense. While the systems may be different, the Josh McDaniel lead Raiders enjoy predictability and structure in the way he leads his offense. And with Garoppolo at the helm, there will be fewer games where the offensive balance rocks like a ship in choppy waters. Instead, there's a good chance we will see a team that is more efficient throughout all 4 quarters. So, while some may have seen this move coming from a mile away, it doesn't take away from the fact that the Raiders made a smart decision in signing Garoppolo. The team is now in a better position to succeed and make a run for the playoffs.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it - a major move by the Raiders on the very first day of free agency. With Garoppolo now in the fold, the Raiders have a solid quarterback to lead them into the upcoming season. As always, thank you for reading and stay tuned for more updates and insights on the Las Vegas Raiders. Leave a comment below about your thoughts on the Raiders decision to sign Jimmy Garoppolo.