LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – The era of Jimmy Garoppolo with the Las Vegas Raiders came to an unexpected end on Friday when the quarterback was suspended for two games due to a violation of the NFL’s Performance Enhancing Substances Policy. League sources confirmed that the Raiders plan to cut ties with Garoppolo next month, after the NFL year starts, in order to avoid paying him an $11.25 million roster bonus.
Garoppolo, who had a rocky year with the Raiders, will not appeal the suspension and will miss the first two games of the 2024 season. The quarterback’s $11.25 million salary, along with an $11.25 million roster bonus, was fully guaranteed before the suspension. However, his suspension will void those guarantees.
Throughout the season, Garoppolo faced challenges, including a delayed contract press conference due to a failed physical and necessary foot surgery. Despite the setbacks, the Raiders reworked his contract. However, after a poor performance leading to being benched in Week 9, Garoppolo will soon be released, leaving the team with only two quarterbacks on their roster.
With the looming departure of Aidan O’Connell and Brian Hoyer, the Raiders are expected to be aggressive in pursuing a replacement for Garoppolo. The team may either trade up in the draft for a quarterback or sign a veteran free agent. Garoppolo, who previously led the 49ers to the Super Bowl after the 2019 season, had a challenging stint with the Raiders before ultimately facing suspension and release.
As the Raiders navigate the aftermath of Garoppolo’s departure, the team is looking ahead to their options for the upcoming season. With significant changes looming, the Raiders will have to carefully assess their quarterback situation in the coming months.