Transitioning from a seasoned starter to a backup role, Jimmy Garoppolo, the former quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers, has agreed to a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Rams. In his new capacity, Garoppolo will serve as a backup to Matthew Stafford, finding familiarity in a Kyle Shanahan-esque offensive system under the guidance of Sean McVay. His recent stint with the Las Vegas Raiders saw him relegated to a limited starting role, having started six games before being sidelined for the remainder of the season and subsequently released.
During his time with the Raiders, Garoppolo’s performance was underwhelming, tallying 1,205 passing yards, 110 completions, seven touchdowns, and nine interceptions, culminating in a dismal quarterback rating of 33.9.
Rams are signing former Raiders and 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo, per source..
NFL suspended Garoppolo two games for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drugs policy.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2024
His struggles on the field positioned him as one of the least effective quarterbacks, both as a starter and backup, throughout the season. Consequently, it appears logical for him to embrace a backup role with the Rams following his release from the Raiders. The realization that Garoppolo is no longer considered a starter became apparent to the 49ers organization some years ago, particularly evident after his departure from the Shanahan system, where he thrived.
The allure of joining the Rams may stem from the similarity between McVay’s coaching style and that of Shanahan. Moreover, Garoppolo could potentially seize opportunities to start games, especially given Stafford’s recent history of injuries. McVay likely perceives Garoppolo as capable of leading the team to victories over a series of games, akin to Shanahan’s strategy with the 49ers. The Rams’ preference for Garoppolo over Carson Wentz, whom they acquired mid-season, suggests concerns about Wentz’s performance and possibly his compatibility with the team. This decision indicates that Garoppolo aligns more closely with the Rams’ vision for their quarterback position. Overall, Garoppolo finds himself in yet another quarterback-friendly offensive scheme with the Rams.
