How Jimmy Garoppolo’s suspension could impact Broncos’ quarterback plans
The NFL issued a two-game suspension to Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo on Friday for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances.
As a result, Garoppolo will miss the first two games of the 2024 season and is likely to be released by the Las Vegas team in the near future. This suspension not only affects the Raiders but also potentially impacts other teams like the Denver Broncos who may have been considering him.
Even before the suspension, it was widely anticipated that Garoppolo would be released by Las Vegas during the spring. Under normal circumstances, this would have meant the Raiders still owed him a significant portion of his contract, potentially allowing another team like the Broncos to sign him at a discounted rate while Las Vegas covered most of his salary for 2024.
However, the suspension changes this scenario. It nullifies Garoppolo’s $11.25 million salary guarantee, meaning his next team will need to pay him at the market rate without financial support from the Raiders.
It’s uncertain what Garoppolo will command in his next contract, especially given his suspension, but his previous deal with Las Vegas averaged $24.25 million per season. While he might not secure such a high salary with his next team, he won’t come cheap either.
This development makes it less probable for Denver to pursue Garoppolo in the upcoming offseason. If the Broncos had been considering adding a veteran quarterback to mentor a young rookie, Garoppolo’s suspension would create pressure for the backup QB to be ready to start in Week 1. Additionally, Denver is currently dealing with salary cap constraints, making it difficult to afford a hefty contract for a veteran QB in 2024.
If the Broncos do part ways with QB Russell Wilson in March, as anticipated, they may look to add another veteran presence. While Garoppolo may not fit the bill as a budget-friendly option, there are other quarterbacks available who could be more financially viable, such as Jameis Winston. Ultimately, until free agency officially begins on March 13th, any speculation about Denver’s quarterback plans remains just that—speculation.
