The Los Angeles Rams have made a significant move by signing quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to a one-year contract to serve as Matthew Stafford’s backup. This decision comes after the Rams experienced the consequences of not having a reliable backup quarterback last season when Stafford was injured and the team suffered a loss due to inadequate quarterback depth.
Garoppolo was recently released by the Las Vegas Raiders after signing a lucrative contract with them just one season ago. However, his time with the Raiders was marred by a suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy. This suspension will cause him to miss the first two games of the 2024 season. The violation was reportedly due to the unauthorized use of a prescribed medication without the necessary approval from the NFL.
During his tenure with the Raiders, Garoppolo faced numerous challenges including injuries to his foot, a concussion, and a back injury. His performance on the field was lackluster, with a low completion percentage, passer rating, and QBR. His interception percentage was also a career worst. These issues ultimately led to his benching in favor of a rookie quarterback.
Despite his recent struggles, Garoppolo has had success in the past, particularly during his time with the San Francisco 49ers. He led the 49ers to two NFC Championship Game appearances and has thrown for over 13,000 yards with 82 touchdowns in his career. His experience as a seasoned veteran in the league brings valuable depth to the Rams’ quarterback position.
The Rams have had a revolving door of backup quarterbacks in recent seasons, including high draft picks such as Baker Mayfield and Carson Wentz. With the uncertainty surrounding Stetson Bennett’s future with the team, the addition of Garoppolo provides stability and experience to the Rams’ quarterback depth chart.
As the Rams prepare for the upcoming season, the signing of Jimmy Garoppolo brings a sense of security to the quarterback position. With Matthew Stafford as the starter and Garoppolo as a reliable backup, the Rams are better equipped to handle any unforeseen circumstances that may arise during the season. The importance of quarterback depth cannot be understated, and the Rams have taken a proactive approach to address this need by signing Garoppolo.
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