What Jimmy Garoppolo’s suspension means for his Raiders and NFL future

The NFL announced on Friday that Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has violated the league’s PED policy and will thus be suspended for two games of the 2024 regular season.

Garoppolo began his NFL career as the understudy to New England Patriots legend Tom Brady. After Brady seemingly found the fountain of youth late in his career, the organization opted to trade away Jimmy G to the San Francisco 49ers.

The football star dealt with several injuries while on the Niners. Still, when healthy, Garoppolo played well enough to win 38 of his 55 regular season starts with the franchise, including six postseason victories and one Super Bowl berth.

With the emergence of Brock Purdy in San Francisco last season, the front office let Garoppolo walk in free agency, and the Raiders scooped him up with a lucrative, three-year $72.75 million deal. However, Jimmy G only started six games in 2023 thanks to a mix of injuries and lackluster play that resulted in his eventual benching.

Rumors have been gaining traction regarding Garoppolo’s uncertain future with the Silver and Black, but according to Adam Schefter, Friday’s news has clarified this player’s future with the team.

What Jimmy Garoppolo’s suspension means for his NFL future

Reports state that the violation relates to using a prescribed medication without a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption from league officials. Garoppolo will not appeal the two-game suspension, which makes him unavailable to any team in the first two weeks of the season.

With the news of Jimmy G’s impending release, Sin City was likely his final chance at winning over a locker room as the starting quarterback. Even when healthy in 2023, Garoppolo threw nine interceptions and struggled mightily behind center.

The end of the Jimmy Garoppolo era, sources confirm, as he's headed for a 2-game suspension and release. https://t.co/JeBmDtuCdE

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 16, 2024

While some teams might consider Garoppolo as a backup, it’s unlikely that he will receive significant interest on the free-agent market due to a lackluster showing last season. This may lead him back to some familiar faces.

A reunion with San Francisco would ensure that Garoppolo only sees the field in the event of an injury to Purdy. However, New England is undergoing a substantial rebuild, and the former Patriot could serve as a bridge for a young quarterback if the franchise goes that route at the 2024 NFL Draft.

Outside of returning to a previous home, the interest league-wide is expected to be minimal for the oft-injured veteran. And a looming two-game suspension does little to quell the fears of prospective front offices.