There’s a new backup quarterback in Los Angeles. According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the Rams have agreed to terms on a one-year deal with Jimmy Garoppolo.
Garoppolo joins the Rams after one year with the Raiders. Before that, he spent five years with the 49ers, leading them to the Super Bowl once and going 4-2 in the playoffs. He began his career with the Patriots as a second-round pick in 2014, the same year Aaron Donald was drafted. He won a Super Bowl as Tom Brady’s backup in 2014.
In his career, Garoppolo has a 43-20 record in the regular season, throwing 94 touchdown passes and 51 interceptions. Incredibly, he never lost to the Rams during the regular season, going 8-0 as a starter against Los Angeles.
Sources to me and @PSchrags: The #Rams have agreed to terms with QB Jimmy Garoppolo on a one-year deal.
Following a year with the #Raiders, Garoppolo is set to join Matthew Stafford and Sean McVay in L.A. pic.twitter.com/44Xzeg7n4n
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 15, 2024
The Rams struggled to find a reliable backup behind Stafford last year. Stetson Bennett spent the season on the non-football illness list, missing his entire rookie year. Brett Rypien played terribly in his one start against the Packers, and Carson Wentz joined the team in the second half of the season and beat the 49ers in Week 18.
Les Snead emphasized the need to find a backup quarterback this offseason and they’ve found one in Garoppolo.
It is worth noting that Garoppolo was suspended two games for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drugs policy, so he’ll be ineligible to play in Weeks 1 and 2 next season.