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Las Vegas Raiders Makes Shocking Move to Release Jimmy Garoppolo Amid PED Scandal

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics
By Christian Alamodin | Last updated 3/13/24

The Las Vegas Raiders were supposed to enter the 2024 season on a positive note after ending the last five games of 2023 season with solid performances. With Antonio Pierce formally taking over the head coaching mantle, it was supposed to be a hopeful start for the team and its fans.

However, they suddenly find themselves without a QB1 after the team was left with no choice but to release Jimmy Garoppolo after he was suspended by the league after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).

Las Vegas Raiders release Jimmy Garoppolo alongside Hunter Renfrow

Ian Rapoport broke the news that pretty much every team in the NFL knew at this point:

The #Raiders will release WR Hunter Renfrow when the new league year begins later today, source said, as he was to count $13.7M against the cap. Renfrow, along with QB Jimmy Garoppolo, will both be free agents. pic.twitter.com/ps7AaFXb1x

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2024

It’s an abrupt and unfortunate end to Garoppolo’s career with the Raiders. He only played seven games in his lone season in Sin City, throwing for 1205 passing yards, seven TDs, nine interceptions, a paltry 47.5% pass success rate, and a 77.7 QB rating, his lowest in eight years.

What’s next for Jimmy Garoppolo and the Las Vegas Raiders?

It’s tough to call what’s next for Garoppolo after being leaving the Raiders in such a controversial fashion. The two-time Super Bowl champion will likely find it hard to find another place to call home after assassinating his reputation among NFL circles in such a manner.

Even if he manages to convince a team to pick him up, it may be hard for a team without a solid QB to give him a shot as the starter. After all, there’s a Justin Fields still waiting for the hammer to fall on his time with the Chicago Bears.

Fortunately for the Raiders, this is the perfect time to lose a starting QB. The 2024 NFL Draft has plenty of exciting QB talent. If Pierce and company can identify a QB they like, they might find themselves with a franchise field general that will lead them past the Kansas City Chiefs.