Jimmy Garoppolo is one of the top NFL free agents in 2023, with multiple teams expected to pursue the veteran quarterback in a market that already lost three of its top options at the position before free agency opened.
Derek Carr signed with the New Orleans Saints, leaving the open market before the new league year on March 15 because he was released by the Las Vegas Raiders. Meanwhile, Geno Smith re-signed with the Seattle Seahawks and Daniel Jones landed an extension from the New York Giants.
- Jimmy Garoppolo career stats: 99.6 QB rating, 87-42 TD-INT, 67.6% completion rate
As a result, Garoppolo is the best free-agent quarterback available on the open market who isn’t tied to draft-pick compensation. While Lamar Jackson is the best player available, any team that wants to sign him would need to pay two first-round picks and its offer to Jackson could be matched by the Baltimore Ravens.
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It puts Garoppolo in an advantageous position. While he won’t become one of the highest-paid NFL quarterbacks, he is well-positioned to land a contract that will surpass what he made with the San Francisco 49ers in 2023. Of course, the 31-year-old is prioritizing a team that will allow him to be the starting quarterback next season.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans and Las Vegas Raiders are three teams expected to have interest in Garoppolo when free agency opens.
While the report came before Carolina traded up for the first pick, it’s still possible the Panthers pursue Garoppolo. He could step in as the starting quarterback in 2023 if the franchise uses the first pick on Anthony Richardson and use his rookie season as a development year.
- Jimmy Garoppolo stats (2022): 103 QB rating, 16-4 TD-INT, 67.2% completion rate
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Houston is in a similar position to Carolina. The Texans will draft a quarterback with the second overall pick, either Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud, but head coach DeMeco Ryans and offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik reportedly want a veteran quarterback who can open the season as the starter. Given Garoppolo’s familiarity with Ryans and Slowik in San Francisco, it could be a viable landing spot that meets his criteria.
However, the Raiders could be the favorite for him. Las Vegas reportedly wants to reunite Garoppolo with Josh McDaniels, partnering the coach and quarterback back together for the first time since their days with the New England Patriots.
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Garoppolo would provide the Raiders’ offense with a veteran starter who could execute McDaniels’ game plan and maintain an offensive rhythm. In the background, Las Vegas would use the 2023 season to develop a rookie quarterback.
While the Panthers and Texans may offer similar opportunities, the Raiders’ offensive weapons would put Garoppolo in the best position to succeed. As a result, Las Vegas could be the early favorite to land him in free agency.