Raiders QB Jimmy Garoppolo Suspended, Expected to Be Released
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has been suspended two games for a violation of the NFL’s substance abuse policy and is expected to be released by his team later this spring, according to a report by Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Garoppolo is alleged to have used a prescription medication without obtaining a therapeutic use exemption from the NFL, causing the two-game ban, which will be served in 2024, as long as he is on an NFL roster.
The 32-year-old Garoppolo began the 2023 season as the Raiders’ starting quarterback after signing a three-year, $67.5 million contract to reunited him with coach Josh McDaniels, who had been his offensive coordinator with the New England Patriots.
He agreed to that contract in March, but problems started in May, when it was reported that Garoppolo signed a waiver instead of undergoing a physical that he could not pass because of a pre-existing foot condition. It’s unclear if his prescription medication use is tied to that injury.
He lost his starting job with the Raiders after McDaniels was fired, with interim head coach Antonio Pierce choosing to lean on fourth-round rookie Aidan O’Connell. Garoppolo finished the season with 1,205 passing yards, seven touchdowns, nine interceptions and a career-low 77.7 passer rating.
Garoppolo is owed an $11.25 million roster bonus on March 17 that is guaranteed. His release will incur a $17.1 million dead cap hit for the Raiders, but clear $11.3 million in 2024 salary obligations. His suspension may allow the Raiders to avoid paying his guarantees.
Garoppolo will need to catch on with a team in order to serve his two-game suspension. After a down year and with a significant injury history, it is unlikely that he will get a job with much hopes of starting, though he could be among the list of quarterbacks the Steelers could look at to push Kenny Pickett this summer.
The Raiders are expected to be in the market for a new starting quarterback this offseason, and have been connected to the likes of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. The Steelers will visit the Raiders for the second consecutive season this fall. 2024 Steelers Opponents.
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