The Raiders have their next franchise quarterback. After releasing Derek Carr earlier this offseason, the Raiders have finally replaced him via free agency.
The Raiders have reportedly agreed to terms with free-agent QB Jimmy Garoppolo. That news was first reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN:
Former 49ers’ QB Jimmy Garoppolo is signing with the Las Vegas Raiders, per @diannaESPN and me. Garoppolo played for Raiders’ HC Josh McDaniels in New England and they now reunite in Las Vegas.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2023
According to Schefter, the Raiders are giving Garoppolo a three-year deal worth $67.5 million with $34 million in guaranteed money.
Garoppolo has started 57 games in his NFL career, going 40-17 as a starter. He started 10 games during the 2022 season with the 49ers winning seven of those games. He injured his ankle late in the season and was unable to return for the playoffs. However, Garoppolo is healthy now and should be ready for all the off-season activities for the Raiders.
Garoppolo played the first three seasons of his career in New England as he was coached by Josh McDaniels, who was the offensive coordinator at the time. Garoppolo only started two games in New England, winning both starts. The familiarity with the coaching staff and front office is a big reason why this deal ultimately took place.
Signing Garoppolo doesn’t mean the Raiders couldn’t select a quarterback at No. 7, but it does make it far less likely. Still, this was an expected move by a franchise that had to add a veteran quarterback this off-season.
