Have we seen the last of Jimmy Garoppolo on an NFL field?
Garoppolo, a former second-round pick from Eastern Illinois, has started in 64 games since entering the NFL in 2014. He has completed 67.4% of his passes for 15,828 yards and 96 touchdowns. While the majority of his individual success came with the San Francisco 49ers, he was part of two championship rosters during his time with the New England Patriots.
As for his most recent work, Garoppolo has been Matthew Stafford's backup on the Los Angeles Rams for the past two years. Although he didn't get to attempt a pass last season, he had 334 passing yards and two touchdowns during his only start in 2024.
There was some speculation that Garoppolo would retire this offseason, especially since his days of starting for a playoff contender appear to be over.
With training camp about to be underway for all 32 teams, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo provided an update on Garoppolo's future. It turns out the two-time Super Bowl champion is holding off on retirement.
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That being said, Garoppolo won't just jump at any opportunity. He's apparently looking for the "right" situation.
"Jimmy Garoppolo back in April, Ian Rapoport reported that he was considering retirement … Here’s my understanding with Jimmy G, in the right situation, he will come back, and he will play football. He has not decided to retire. He just needed some time to himself this offseason, and now he is refreshed and renewed," Garafolo said, via Heavy.com. "I don’t think anything is imminent. I wouldn’t expect him to sign with anybody. Maybe it’s going to have to be an injury to a quarterback, and all of a sudden you need a veteran guy to come in and be part of the mix, if not the starter. Jimmy Garoppolo is not retiring from my understanding; he will continue to play."
Where could Jimmy G end up?
Garoppolo, 34, may have to consider teams besides the Rams at this point in time. They already have two viable backup quarterback options in Ty Simpson and Stetson Bennett.
It wouldn't shock us to see the New York Jets show interest in Garoppolo, especially if they want a veteran behind Geno Smith.
We also can't rule out a mystery team pursuing Garoppolo if they lose a starter or backup in training camp.
