The Las Vegas Raiders wasted very little time addressing their need for a quarterback in free agency. Instead of waiting around to see how the market played out or to select a quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft, Las Vegas pounced early on to get their guy.
Their guy was Jimmy Garoppolo. It shouldn’t be too surprising given the ties that he has to the organization. Garoppolo was drafted by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft.
One of the members of the Patriots’ front office at the time was Dave Ziegler, who is currently the Raiders’ general manager. The offensive coordinator at the time in New England was Josh McDaniels, who is currently the head coach for the Raiders.
While Gaaroppolo’s signing did not draw the most rave reviews, it was a predictable one. Ziegler and McDaniels were vocal about wanting players who fit the culture they were attempting to build and the familiarity with Garoppolo made him a good target.
There will be some pressure on him to help turn things around after a tough first season in Sin City for McDaniels. Derek Carr never seemed to truly grasp the offense, which led to some up-and-down performances. But, the addition of Garoppolo is one that some NFL analysts see as a positive one.
One of those analysts is Adam Schien of CBS Sports Network. He made a bold prediction for the Raiders when discussing the three-year deal that Garoppolo agreed to, believing a trip to the playoffs could be in their future.
And that was before the Raiders also added wide receiver Jakobi Meyers in free agency. Given the weaponry that is around Garoppolo, he should find plenty of success in this offense.
A strong running game is in place with Josh Jacobs receiving the franchise tag. All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams is still in the mix, as is Hunter Renfrow. If tight end Darren Waller can remain healthy, the Raiders have one of the deepest, most talented skill position groups in the NFL for Garoppolo to work with.
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