Rams  Signs Ex-Raiders,49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo

In what has been a whirlwind day for the Los Angeles Rams, marked by the sudden retirement of the esteemed Aaron Donald, another significant move has transpired, this time on the offensive front. Reports indicate that the Rams have secured a deal to enlist Jimmy Garoppolo, the former quarterback for both the San Francisco 49ers and the Las Vegas Raiders, for a one-year term. This agreement offers a momentary reprieve for the team, which sought stability behind their 36-year-old starting quarterback, Matthew Stafford.

The Rams found themselves in dire need of a solution to bolster their quarterback depth, especially following the departure of last season’s backup, Carson Wentz. Just a month prior, Sean McVay emphasized the necessity for a solid second-string quarterback, acknowledging the absence of a true backup to Stafford on the roster. This need became glaringly apparent when the Rams were compelled to face the Packers without Stafford at Lambeau Field, resorting to Brett Rypien as the starter, resulting in a dismal performance and one of their most disheartening defeats of the season.

Fortunately, the acquisition of Garoppolo addresses these concerns and more. Boasting a decade of experience, Garoppolo brings with him 81 games and 63 starts across stints with the Patriots, 49ers, and Raiders. His career statistics include 15,494 passing yards and 94 touchdowns, along with 13 game-winning drives and comeback victories each. Additionally, Garoppolo boasts two NFC Championship appearances (2019, 2021) and a Super Bowl appearance in 2019, though falling to the Rams en route to L.A.’s Super Bowl LVI triumph.

Despite securing Garoppolo, the Rams remain open to drafting a quarterback in the upcoming draft, with speculation suggesting they may even target Stafford’s successor as early as the first round. Nonetheless, the urgency for a top-tier quarterback in the draft is somewhat alleviated by Garoppolo’s presence, particularly considering the void left by Aaron Donald’s retirement. Yet, with Stafford entering his late thirties, the Rams may still opt to prioritize quarterback prospects for the future.