The 2024 NFL free-agent quarterback market lacks depth, with Kirk Cousins standing out as a notable name, provided he becomes available. Teams seeking a new starting quarterback are likely to explore the 2024 NFL Draft, known for its promising QB prospects, or consider potential trades. One intriguing trade prospect is Jimmy Garoppolo, the Las Vegas Raiders’ quarterback, who recently lost his starting position to rookie Aidan O’Connell.
The Raiders’ decision to sign Garoppolo to a three-year, $72.75 million contract in free agency quickly turned disastrous, leading to his benching after missing two games due to injury. It’s evident that Garoppolo could benefit from a change of scenery, and there’s one AFC team that stands out as a fitting destination – his former team, the New England Patriots.
#Raiders QB Jimmy Garoppolo is putting up similar, maybe worse statistics through 6 starts than Jamarcus Russell, who is considered one of the biggest busts in #NFL history.
Garoppolo is on a 3-year deal worth over $70 million with the team.
(📷: Pick.6/IG) pic.twitter.com/XaulMKX5Rn
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) October 31, 2023
Currently enduring one of their worst seasons with a 2-7 record, the Patriots may be reluctant to extend Mac Jones’ tenure as the starting quarterback. With a likely top-five pick in the upcoming draft, they have an opportunity to secure a new franchise QB, considering prospects like USC’s Caleb Williams, North Carolina’s Drake Maye, Oregon’s Bo Nix, Washington’s Michael Penix Jr., or Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy.
🚨REPORT: Former #Raiders GM Dave Ziegler tried to talk HC Josh McDaniels out of signing QB Jimmy Garoppolo to a three-year, $72 million deal, per @SInow.
Ziegler thought it was a HORRIBLE decision to sign Jimmy😳
“Dave and Josh disagreed on a lot”
“Josh was in charge. Josh… pic.twitter.com/6lmZlEQyRv
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) November 7, 2023
A strategic move for Belichick could involve planning to draft a new QB in the first round while reacquiring Garoppolo from the Raiders. This scenario envisions Garoppolo serving as a mentor and bridge to the next signal-caller. His familiarity with New England’s offense and ability to function as a game manager align with a team emphasizing the ground game and a formidable defense.
Given the Raiders’ potential desire to shed Garoppolo’s contract, the Patriots could propose a win-win solution, offering a 2024 sixth-round pick to bring back their former quarterback. This arrangement would benefit all parties involved, particularly the veteran QB seeking a fresh start.
