The Las Vegas Raiders are in need of a new quarterback after releasing veteran signal-caller Derek Carr. They are now being linked to a veteran signal-caller ahead of 2023 free agency.
According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, Las Vegas is “a team to watch in the Aaron Rodgers” sweepstakes. But if that dream plan doesn’t work out? Graziano stated that many “expect” them to go after San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo:
“If they can’t get him, a lot of people in Indianapolis this week expect (head coach Josh) McDaniels and GM Dave Ziegler to pursue free agent quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, whom they know from his time in New England early in his career. There’s also some chatter that McDaniels might try to acquire Mac Jones from the Patriots, though it seems unlikely New England would consider moving the 2021 first-rounder.”
Garoppolo was drafted in the second round by the New England Patriots back in 2014. He started two games in the 2016 season with Tom Brady suspended for four games over his alleged involvement in Deflategate, winning both games.
The Patriots traded Garoppolo to the 49ers ahead of the 2017 trade deadline for a second-round pick. Garoppolo would spend five more years there on the west coast, helping the 49ers to a Super Bowl 54 appearance and two NFC Championship Game appearances.
Carr was released two weeks ago after refusing to waive his no-trade clause, leaving Vegas in need of a new signal-caller.
Garoppolo opened 2022 as the backup to Trey Lance, but the latter suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 2. Garoppolo won seven of his 10 starts in 2022, but a season-ending foot injury in Week 13 forced the team to go with third-stringer and rookie Brock Purdy.
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Purdy won all five starts and helped the 49errs to the NFC Championship Game. It looks like he and Lance will battle for the starting job in 2023, while Garoppolo will get a shot to start elsewhere.
