The Las Vegas Raiders continue to be mentioned alongside every potential quarterback who could switch teams this offseason. The major names linked to the Raiders this offseason have included two of the greatest to ever play the position in Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers, as well as Jimmy Garoppolo who led the San Francisco 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance just a couple of years ago.
Once Brady retired, the attention quickly turned to Rodgers. While the Raiders have been mentioned as a team to watch regarding the Green Bay Packers star, it is the New York Jets who look to be at the forefront for a Rodgers trade.
But with NFL free agency set to begin, the Raiders are one of three teams who are expected to be interested in Garoppolo, according to Ian Rapaport of NFL Network:
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday that the Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans and Las Vegas Raiders are teams likely to be interested in Garoppolo.
Rodgers is undoubtedly the bigger name and better overall player, but Garoppolo is an extremely accomplished quarterback as well and one who could be a difference-maker for the Raiders. One thing that can not be denied about Garoppolo is that he is a winner who owns a 40-17 record as a starter in the NFL including 7-3 last year with the 49ers.
Garoppolo’s best season came in 2019 when he threw for 3,978 yards and 27 touchdowns to just 13 interceptions while leading the 49ers to a 13-3 record and that appearance in the Super Bowl. He also showed his professionalism last season by remaining with the 49ers after they were unable to find a trade for him and performed very well following a season-ending injury to Trey Lance.
The biggest concern about Garoppolo is his health. A torn ACL limited him to just three games in 2018 while ankle issues forced him to suit up just six times in 2020. Last season a foot injury ended his season after just 10 games.
Nothing is for certain and as the report states, there is interest in Garoppolo outside of the Raiders. While he does have a connection with Raiders coach Josh McDaniels, Garoppolo is also familiar with Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans, who was previously the defensive coordinator in San Francisco. The potential for the Raiders to look towards the draft for their next quarterback also remains as well and in the end, both the franchise and Garoppolo will do what’s in their best interest for themselves.
