Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has been suspended for two games by the NFL for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substances policy, according to sources. The violation is reportedly related to Garoppolo using a prescribed medication without a valid therapeutic use exemption from the league.
Garoppolo has decided not to appeal the suspension and will miss the first two games of the 2024 season. This suspension could have significant implications for his future with the Raiders. Sources suggest that the team is expected to release Garoppolo before the fifth day of the new league year in mid-March, which would result in him forfeiting an $11.25 million roster bonus. Additionally, his $11.25 million base salary guarantee for the 2024 season may also be voided due to the suspension.
The quarterback joined the Raiders in March of 2023, signing a three-year, $72.75 million contract with $33.75 million guaranteed. However, with a new coach, Antonio Pierce, and general manager, Tom Telesco, in place, there is no longer any connection or commitment to Garoppolo. It is widely believed that the Raiders will be looking to add another quarterback in the upcoming draft and may even consider trading up from their current No. 13 pick.
Once Garoppolo is officially released by the Raiders, the team will be left with two quarterbacks on their roster: Aidan O’Connell and veteran Brian Hoyer. Both O’Connell and Hoyer have previous ties to former head coach Josh McDaniels and former general manager Dave Ziegler from their time together in New England.
For Garoppolo, this suspension marks yet another change in his career trajectory. The 32-year-old quarterback is now expected to search for his third team in as many seasons. He played for the San Francisco 49ers in 2022 before joining the Raiders as a free agent in 2023. Despite the suspension, Garoppolo will be allowed to participate in all offseason activities and training camp with any team he signs with. However, once the regular season begins, he will be barred from his new team for two weeks.
In conclusion, Jimmy Garoppolo’s suspension for violating the NFL’s substance policy has not only resulted in him missing the first two games of the 2024 season but also raises questions about his future with the Las Vegas Raiders. With the team expected to release him, Garoppolo will be searching for his third team in as many seasons. The suspension will have an impact on his salary and could potentially affect his value in the eyes of other teams. It remains to be seen how this setback will shape the quarterback’s career moving forward.