The Las Vegas Raiders decided near the end of the 2022 season that they would be making a major change to their offense. Quarterback Derek Carr was removed from the starting lineup for the final two games, giving way to Jarrett Stidham. That was the beginning of the end for Carr as the team’s starting quarterback.
He was released days after the Super Bowl, officially ending his nine-year tenure as the franchise quarterback. This offseason, the Raiders were on the lookout for his replacement and were linked to multiple players.
Las Vegas was mentioned as a possible landing spot for Aaron Rodgers via trade. Many people mocked a quarterback going to the Raiders in the 2023 NFL Draft in the first round. While that still may occur, whoever they select will be sitting for the foreseeable future.
That is because the Raiders have made a move for their starting quarterback in 2023. The team has agreed to a deal with veteran free agent Jimmy Garoppolo. The news was reported by Adam Schefter and Diana Russini of ESPN, as Garoppolo will be reuniting with his former offensive coordinator with the New England Patriots, Josh McDaniels.
Former 49ers’ QB Jimmy Garoppolo is signing with the Las Vegas Raiders, per @diannaESPN and me. Garoppolo played for Raiders’ HC Josh McDaniels in New England and they now reunite in Las Vegas.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2023
Garoppolo was the best fit for Las Vegas given his history working with McDaniels. Alas, it is a signing that has drawn some negative reactions from people on social media. There were plenty of memes made about the agreed-upon signing, one of which involved wide receiver, Davante Adams.
One user poked fun at Adams for going from Aaron Rodgers to Carr to Garoppolo in three years. The cartoon started out happy and jovial but has been worn down by the end of it.
DaVante Adams going from Aaron Rodgers to Derek Carr to now Jimmy Garoppolo pic.twitter.com/77Xs9BKzSZ
— Kory Waldron (@KWalHoops) March 13, 2023
Some people believe Garoppolo isn’t much of a change from Carr. DraftKings Sportsbook got in on the fun with a meme of their own. A similar sentiment was shared by another user, who believes not much change is on the horizon.
The Raiders pic.twitter.com/bTFQSxJazW
— DraftKings Sportsbook (@DKSportsbook) March 13, 2023
A video was shared as well that one user believes depicts what the Raiders’ offense will look like this season. Garoppolo has an elite weapon in Adams, but getting the most out of him will prove difficult in the opinion of this user.
JIMMY G GOING DEEP TO DEVANTE pic.twitter.com/dM2rThulmY
— D (@DM_8080) March 13, 2023
While most of the reactions have been negative so far, there are assuredly positive reactions that can be found. While Garoppolo isn’t the most exciting signing, the Raiders can move on with their free agent plans, filling the biggest need they had at the quarterback position.
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