Getty Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the New England Patriots huddles with his teammates in 2014.
There was already plenty of speculation about where former New England Patriots QB Jimmy Garoppolo would land in 2024. Regardless of which organization gives Garoppolo his next shot, he won’t be suited up for Weeks 1 and 2 in the NFL next year.
The Las Vegas Raiders quarterback has been handed a two-game suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on February 16.
“The policy violation is related to him using a prescribed medication without having a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption, per sources,” according to Schefter.
Las Vegas intends to release Garoppolo before his roster bonus hits the books in March.
Raiders QB Jimmy Garoppolo is being suspended two games for violating the NFL’s Performance Enhancing Substances Policy, league sources told ESPN.
The policy violation is related to him using a prescribed medication without having a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption, per sources.
Jimmy Garoppolo Struggles to Stay Healthy
Originally a second-round pick for the Patriots in 2014, Garoppolo was traded to the San Francisco 49ers in 2017. Although he led the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance, his tenure with the team was plagued by injuries, leading to his departure last offseason.
Garoppolo then signed a three-year deal with the Raiders, but difficulties marred his time in Las Vegas. His next team will be his fourth organization since being drafted in 2014.
During the 2023 season, Garoppolo started just six games before being benched for rookie Aidan O’Connell. He threw more interceptions (9) than touchdown passes (7). The Raiders have not named O’Connell the starter for this season and possess the 13th overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft.
The suspension could potentially benefit Las Vegas financially. Cutting Garoppolo was initially expected to incur significant dead cap hits. Still, with the suspension, the Raiders might be able to void the remainder of his guaranteed money, thereby reducing their financial obligations.
As new leadership takes the reins with head coach Antonio Pierce and general manager Tom Telesco, the Raiders are prepared to move forward at the quarterback position, whether by starting O’Connell or selecting a quarterback with the No. 13 overall pick in the upcoming draft.
It remains uncertain what the market will look like for the 32-year-old Garoppolo in March. After signing with a new team, NFL regulations allow Garoppolo to participate in offseason activities and training camp. However, once the regular season commences, he will be prohibited from participating for his two-week suspension. Any team interested in signing him will only have him available for a maximum of 15 games this season.
Fans React to Garoppolo’s Suspension
Compilation of Jimmy Garoppolo on PED’s
Fans on X (formerly Twitter) didn’t have the kindest of reactions to the news of Garoppolo’s suspension, with many poking fun at the idea of the QB taking “performance-enhancing drugs.”
One person suggested Garoppolo did the Raiders a favor by helping them save money on his hefty contract.
Good Guy Garoppolo-
•Signs big contract
•Doesn’t live up to it
•Stays with team and supports his replacement
•Intentionally gets popped for PEDs to save the Raiders money.
Definition of once a Raider, baby
Another wrote that Garoppolo should be the “new poster child for anti-PED campaigns as hes proved they’re completely useless.”
Another echoed that sentiment, writing that Garoppolo should “have a nearly iron clad case against having taken performance enhancing drugs.”
You would think Jimmy Garoppolo would have a nearly iron clad case against having taken performance enhancing drugs
There has been no official statement from Garoppolo or his camp regarding the suspension, but Garoppolo is 23 games over .500 in his career as a starting QB, which is incredible in the NFL. He’s thrown for 98 touchdowns to just 57 interceptions in his career, and it’s hard to believe he won’t get a few more chances to start in this league.