Raiders QB's signing delay explained two months later

It was first reported on March 13 that "Jimmy G." would sign with Las Vegas. His introduction to the team and the media was set to happen a few days later but was delayed, causing some initial concern among Raiders fans due to Garoppolo's injury history.

The 31-year-old took over once again as the San Francisco 49ers starting quarterback early last season after 2021 No. 3 overall pick Trey Lance suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 2. Garoppolo played in 11 games during the 2022 campaign, making 10 starts and posted a 67.2% completion percentage with 2,437 passing yards and 16 touchdowns against only four interceptions, but he went down with a foot injury in Week 13. Rookie Brock Purdy served as the starter for the rest of the season, including the team's three playoff games.

Tom Brady's former understudy with the New England Patriots said after joining Las Vegas that his familiarity with Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler "played a role" in his choice to join the franchise. McDaniels was the Patriots offensive coordinator and Ziegler was a part of New England's scouting department during Garoppolo's three seasons with the Patriots from 2014-16.

Not only is another former New England signal-caller in Brian Hoyer in line to be the backup quarterback, but the twice-retired Brady recently joined the Raiders ownership group, buying a minority stake in the organization on Monday.