Raiders’ QB Jimmy Garoppolo’s Suspension Could Be Costly In More Ways Than One

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo‘s two-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substances policy leaves a player and a team at a possible crossroads.

According to conversations ESPN had with league sources, Garoppolo used a prescribed medication without permission from the NFL. He also will not appeal the suspension.

The Raiders are already faced with a difficult decision regarding who will start at quarterback in 2024. In seven games for the team last season, Garoppolo was heavily criticized for his poor play, throwing more interceptions for touchdowns before being shut down and replaced by rookie Aidan O’Connell, who arguably ended up playing better overall after the team’s late, albeit unsuccessful push to the postseason.

Now with the revelation that Garoppolo can’t even play to start the season, it would not be surprising to see the Raiders move on from their disappointing quarterback. Last March, the former New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers starter signed a three-year, $72.75 million contract, including $33.75 million guaranteed and was expected to stabilize a team in disarray. Additionally, Garoppolo was paired with head coach Josh McDaniels, who worked with him as his offensive coordinator during his time in New England.

Now with new coach Antonio Pierce taking the reigns of the franchise, on top of Garoppolo’s struggles and suspension, all the lines indicate the Raiders will have a new starter under center when September rolls around. If this is the case, the most likely scenario is the team drafts a quarterback and keeps or signs a veteran like Brian Hoyer.

It’s quite a fall from grace for Garoppolo, who started in the Super Bowl LIV for the 49ers only four years ago. He and San Francisco lost that game 31-20. Since that game, the quarterback hasn’t seemed to play with the same consistency that nearly made him a world champion.