Las Vegas Raiders Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo Suspended, Release Expected

The Las Vegas Raiders quickie marriage to quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo appears to be coming to an ignominious end. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the former San Francisco 49er and New England Patriot is being suspended for two games for violating the NFL's Performance Enhancing Substances Policy.

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. pic.twitter.com/NXE6siAYDb
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 16, 2024

Per Schefter, Garoppolo's violation stems from a prescribed medication that wasn't cleared by the Therapeutic Use Exemption. He'll miss the first two games of the 2024 regular season.

That may not necessarily be with the Raiders. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports the team is in the market for a new starting quarterback this offseason. Garoppolo struggled in his first and only season with the team, netting a mere 6.03 net yards per passing attempt and throwing nine interceptions across only six starts. Rookie fourth-round pick Aidan O'Connell didn't show much either in 10 starts, finishing with a 5-5 record and netting a meagre 5.57 yards per passing attempt.

Conveniently, Garoppolo's suspension should void $11.25 million in guaranteed salary for the 2024 season, which makes releasing him much easier for the Raiders. Per overthecap, the Raiders' dead money penalty for releasing Garoppolo before the fifth day of the league year will now drop from $28.4 million to $17.1 million. Garoppolo signed a three-year, $72.75 million deal last offseason.

Still, finding an upgrade at quarterback may be easier said than done for the Raiders. Sitting on the 13th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, they may be out of range for a top prospect, and sifting through the also-rans and rejects in free agency is how the Raiders landed on Garoppolo in the first place. If the Raiders truly want to change their fortunes, they may have to resort to something drastic. Perhaps a trade is in order.