The Raiders made big changes late Tuesday night, firing head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler less than two seasons into their contracts. Then, on Wednesday, the team benched quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo for rookie Aiden O’Connell for the foreseeable future.
Garoppolo was the Raiders’ biggest addition in the offseason, replacing former franchise quarterback Derek Carr who was released after nine years with the team. Las Vegas gave Garoppolo a three-year, $67 million deal in free agency, but the quarterback’s time as a starter appears to be over halfway into his first season with the team.
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Moving forward, the Raiders don’t have many options regarding Garoppolo. The veteran is set to have a cap hit of over $28 million next year, making his contract undesirable for any team. If Las Vegas releases him with a post-June 1 designation, they can split that dead cap hit into $15.5 million in 2024 and $12.8 million in 2025.
If the #Raiders release Garoppolo — I can't imagine anyone will trade for his contract — it'll come with over $28.3M in dead money in 2024.
— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) November 1, 2023
If they cut him with a post-June 1 designation, it would be a $15.5M dead money hit in 2024 and $12.8M in 2025. https://t.co/u9wVFg9VRx
After six seasons with the 49ers, Garoppolo joined Las Vegas to get a fresh start. However, in six games with the team, the quarterback has thrown for just 1,205 yards, seven touchdowns and a league-leading nine interceptions. He has also dealt with two separate injuries that has forced him to sit out two games.
Garoppolo will turn 32 on Thursday, making it possible that his days as an unquestioned starter are over. Still, should the Raiders decide to move on from Garoppolo, he could catch on somewhere as a strong backup if his contract isn’t involved.
