Former New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo made his last NFL start two years ago. It could be his final one in the league.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Monday that Garoppolo could retire from the league this offseason.
“Rams free agent QB Jimmy Garoppolo, considered their top option as backup QB, is considering retirement, sources say,” wrote Rapoport.
“Jimmy G, who has started 64 games during a 12-year career, has made over $156M in all. He is 34 and is mulling a final decision.”
Jimmy G, who has started 64 games during a 12-year career, has made over $156M in all. He is 34 and is mulling a final decision.
Garoppolo’s career began with the Patriots, who selected him at No. 62 overall during the second round in the 2014 NFL Draft. The quarterback spent parts of four seasons with the Patriots before New England traded him to the San Francisco 49ers.
Garoppolo started two games for New England in 2016. Those came during Tom Brady’s famous deflategate suspension. The Patriots won both of those Garoppolo starts.
In 12 NFL seasons, Garoppolo has won more than two-thirds of his starts, posting a 43-21 overall record. He’s also registered a 4-2 record in the playoffs.
Ex-Patriots QB Jimmy Garoppolo Considering Retirement: Report
GettyNFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported former New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is considering NFL retirement.
When the Patriots selected Garoppolo, pundits saw the quarterback as the heir apparent to Brady. But after it became clear Brady planned to continue playing and could perform at a high level into his early forties, the Patriots dealt Garoppolo for a second-round pick to the 49ers.
Garoppolo won his first five starts with the 49ers, pushing his winning streak to seven to begin his career. But in September of 2018, the quarterback suffered a torn ACL.
That was the beginning of injuries becoming a major storyline in Garoppolo’s career. After recovering from knee surgery, thumb, shoulder, foot and ankle injuries caused the quarterback to miss 17 games from 2020-22.
Garoppolo led the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance in February 2020. But San Francisco was unable to hold onto a fourth quarter lead against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.
In 2022, Garoppolo had the 49ers in Super Bowl contention again when he sustained a Lisfranc foot injury during Week 13. Rookie Brock Purdy replaced Garoppolo and led San Francisco to the NFC championship game.
With Purdy’s emergence, the 49ers allowed Garoppolo to leave in NFL free agency.
After signing with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023, Garoppolo continued to deal with injuries and started only six games. Following just one year, the Raiders released the quarterback.
He’s spent the past two years as a backup with the Rams.
In 85 games, Garoppolo has thrown for 96 touchdowns and 52 interceptions. He’s averaged 8.2 yards per attempt.
Patriots QB Depth Entering 2026 NFL Draft
GettyQuarterback Jimmy Garoppolo could end his NFL career after 12 seasons.
After parting with Garoppolo, the Patriots went the veteran backup route for a few years before drafting Mac Jones in the 2021 first round. Jones made the Pro Bowl as a rookie, but he also eventually left New England and landed with the 49ers.
In 2024, the Patriots added quarterback Drake Maye at No. 3 overall. After two seasons, New England appears to have the long-term Brady replacement that Garoppolo was once thought of with the Patriots.
If Garoppolo continues his NFL career next season, it will be as a backup. As Rapoport indicated, the likelihood he returns to the Rams is high.
Interestingly, the Patriots could use another signal-caller. Behind Maye, the Patriots only have Tommy DeVito on their offseason quarterback depth chart.
DeVito is 3-5 in eight career starts. Garoppolo would be an upgrade, but there’s no indication that either the veteran quarterback or Patriots are interested in a reunion.
New England could add a late-round quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft or an undrafted free agent to fill out the 90-man roster.
Former Patriots Starting QB Considering NFL Retirement: Report