Las Vegas Raiders' quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (#10) walking off the field during the first half of a game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, October 15, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Photo credit: Sam Morris/Getty Images/TNS)
Jimmy Garoppolo, the quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders, will face a two-game suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances, according to a report from ESPN. He reportedly used prescribed medication without obtaining a valid therapeutic use exemption from the league.
Garoppolo’s Response
Garoppolo has chosen not to challenge the suspension and will miss the first two games of the upcoming 2024 season, according to insider sources.
Financial Implications for the Raiders
Reports from ESPN also revealed that the Raiders plan to release Garoppolo before mid-March to avoid paying him an $11.25 million roster bonus. Additionally, his $11.25 million base salary guarantee for the 2024 season may be at risk due to the suspension.
In March, Garoppolo inked a three-year, $72.75 million contract with Las Vegas, during the tenure of former head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler.
However, with Antonio Pierce now at the helm as coach and Tom Telesco as the general manager, there is no allegiance to Garoppolo. The Raiders are eyeing to acquire another quarterback in the draft, with speculation rife that they may seek to trade up from their current No. 13 pick.
Roster Changes
Once the Raiders officially release Garoppolo, the two quarterbacks on their roster will be Aidan O’Connell and veteran Brian Hoyer, both of whom have ties to McDaniels and Ziegler from their time in New England.
Garoppolo’s Recent Career
Garoppolo, 32, is poised to join his third team in as many seasons. After playing for the San Francisco 49ers in 2022, he signed as a free agent with the Raiders in 2023.
NFL Regulations and Consequences
Under NFL regulations, Garoppolo can participate in offseason activities and training camp with any new team he signs with, but he will face a two-week ban from regular-season play due to the suspension.
