Why QB Jimmy Garoppolo's time with Raiders is expected to end soon

Jimmy Garoppolo's era as the Raiders' starting quarterback was short-lived and now his time in Las Vegas appears to be nearing its end. 

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Garoppolo is being suspended two games for violating the NFL's Performance Enhancing Substances Policy and the Raiders are expected to release him before the fifth day of the new league year in mid-March, when he would earn an $11.25 million roster bonus.

Garoppolo is not expected to appeal the suspension either as the policy violation is related to him using a prescribed medication without having a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption.

Las Vegas previously planned to move on from Garoppolo, who just signed a three-year, $72.75M contract with the team last offseason, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. But now the Raiders will be able to do so without paying his guaranteed money.

The 32-year-old is now forced to miss the beginning of the 2024 season with whoever he'll be playing for and will likely be viewed as a backup option for any of the teams that will still have interest in him.

Garoppolo threw for just 1,205 yards, seven touchdowns and nine interceptions before being benched for fourth-round rookie QB Aidan O'Connell in Week 9. 

As for Las Vegas, it will now be heavily involved in the market for a new quarterback even after O'Connell threw for 2,218 yards, 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions in relief for Garoppolo this season.

Veteran quarterbacks Kirk Cousins, Baker Mayfield, Russell Wilson and Justin Fields will all reportedly be available while the 2024 NFL Draft class is also rich with young quarterback talent. 

It is an unfortunate ending for Garoppolo, but the Raiders should be just fine with several options to pick from as they decide who will lead their franchise in 2024 and beyond.