Free agent quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is expected to be pursued by the Raiders and Texans when the negotiating window for free agency begins on Monday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Schefter also notes that the Jets could get involved as well, but they’re in wait-and-see mode with Aaron Rodgers.
Garoppolo, who was the talk of the offseason last year in the NFC West, ultimately remained in San Francisco and played an important role for the 49ers, stepping in as the team’s starter once again when heir apparent Trey Lance was injured and lost for the season in Week 2.
When Garoppolo suffered a broken foot of his own late in the season, seventh-round pick Brock Purdy stepped in and led the 49ers to the NFC title game. Now, the 49ers will move forward with Lance, whom they invested a No. 3 pick on in 2021, and Purdy, who is also still on his rookie contract.
If Garoppolo lands in Las Vegas, it will certainly give him a greater opportunity to be a starter long-term. The Raiders released Derek Carr earlier this offseason, and Garoppolo has experience with coach Josh McDaniels dating back to when both parties were in New England together.
While the Texans would provide Garoppolo the opportunity to start at the onset of the contract, it’s likely that he would be a stop-gap until a rookie quarterback was ready to play. The Texans hold the No. 2 pick and No. 12 pick in April’s draft, and they’re expected to use one of those two selections on a quarterback.
Garoppolo played in 11 games last season, including 10 starts, and threw for 2,437 yards and 16 touchdowns to only four interceptions while completing 67.2% of his passes.
