The Las Vegas Raiders created a need at quarterback this offseason by releasing Derek Carr. After signing Jimmy Garoppolo, many assumed he would be the Raiders starting quarterback in 2023. It now appears that is far from a guarantee.
Las Vegas structured Garoppolo’s contract to prove the front office with long-term flexibility. While the veteran signed a three-year deal worth $72.75 million, including $40 million total guaranteed, there are several ways to get out of the deal.
- Jimmy Garoppolo stats (2022): 103 QB rating, 67.2% completion rate, 16-4 TD-INT, 7.9 ypa
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The Raiders can cut ($9.25 million cap savings) or trade ($20.5 million cap savings) Garoppolo in 2024 and move on from him with ease. If general manager Dave Ziegler and coach Josh McDaniels determined it was best to keep him around for a second year, Las Vegas would create $24.25 million in cap space by releasing him during the 2025 NFL offseason.
It means there is no true long-term commitment to Garoppolo, but many still believed he would be the starting quarterback in Week 1. While he might be the favorite to start, the door is clearly open for someone to take the job from him.
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Speaking to reporters just days before the 2023 NFL Draft, Ziegler left the door open to spending a first-round pick on a quarterback and instantly allowing them to challenge Garoppolo for the starting job this summer.
“I think that any time you can find a young player at that position that’s gonna have an impact on your team, you have to keep an open mind to that. Of course we’re excited to have Jimmy and having Jimmy does supply us with a very high-quality starting player at the position. We feel comfortable with that. But, I think to close that door and just say that that’s not something you would do because of X,Y and Z, that’s not the business we’re in.”
Las Vegas Raiders general manager Dave Ziegler on the possibility of a quarterback competition
While the Raiders’ general manager is clearly open to the possibility of a quarterback competition, there’s likely only one scenario where it happens. If Las Vegas is able to trade up for C.J. Stroud, who is reportedly its second-highest-rated quarterback, he could immediately battle Garoppolo for the starting role.
Otherwise, Garoppolo will likely be the Raiders’ starter for the majority of the 2023 season. He is a consistent quarterback, providing accuracy and the ability to keep an offense in rhythm. More importantly, he already has McDaniels’ trust and knows the system.
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It doesn’t rule out the possibility of Las Vegas using a first-round pick on a quarterback. Anthony Richardson offers the highest upside of any player in the 2023 NFL Draft, but he will need time to develop and earn the confidence of his teammates and the coaching staff.
Hendon Hooker, another quarterback Las Vegas reportedly loves, might be the true target. The Raiders could trade up from the second round into the late-20s, snagging the Tennessee quarterback and holding a fifth-year option on him as a result.
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As he recovers from the ACL tear suffered in November, the Raiders can start Garoppolo. By the time Hooker is ready to play and knows the offense, Las Vegas can cut Garoppolo in 2024.