Will Jimmy Garoppolo's contract with the Raiders be voided? Which quarterback could replace him?

June 9, 2023

Why is Jimmy Garoppolo's deal with the Las Vegas Raiders hanging in the balance? How could the Raiders move on if he ended up not playing? Will his deal be voided because of injury?

A foot injury jeopardizes Jimmy Garoppolo’s stint with the Las Vegas Raiders. If things don’t go well, he might not get anything from the three-year, $72.75 million contract he agreed to. No wonder what should have been his introductory press conference was canceled.

Garoppolo underwent surgery after signing that contract. However, deals only become official after a player passes a physical. The Raiders’ physicians did not sign a clean bill of health, declaring that he would need additional surgery. Doing so might not make him available by Week 1 of the 2023 season. The team knows this possibility. Pro Football Focus first revealed Addendum G in Garoppolo’s contract with Las Vegas. The entire section serves as the franchise’s fallback if he cannot play.

What is Addendum G?

Addendum G starts with an admission that Garoppolo would pass the physical without acknowledging the injury in his left foot. Then, it continues with Garoppolo’s acknowledgment of the risks involved in continuing his playing career, including potential permanent disability. Finally, a clause allows the Raiders to terminate the deal without further obligation.

His deal with the Raiders initially included a $11.25 million signing bonus. However, the injury prompted the team to have his signing bonus added to his $11.25 million base salary. Therefore, Garoppolo will only get the $22.5 million once he passes a physical. Recent developments reveal that Jimmy Garoppolo is expected to be ready by training camp. Until that happens, other possibilities at quarterback are on the table.

Who will replace Jimmy Garoppolo if he doesn’t play for the Raiders?

Without Garoppolo, the Raiders still have Brian Hoyer, Aidan O’Connell, and Chase Garbers at quarterback. Those play-callers might not make them competitive, especially in a division with Russell Wilson, Justin Herbert, and Patrick Mahomes.

There are rumors that Tom Brady might take over from his former teammate if Garoppolo isn’t cleared to play. The seven-time Super Bowl winner wanted to buy a minority stake in the squad. However, doing so might make it difficult for him to play again. Brady has expressed interest in joining the Raiders in 2020, and the franchise could revisit that possibility.

If Brady isn’t keen on wearing a helmet and pads again, the Raiders can go for former starting quarterbacks Carson Wentz and Matt Ryan. Teddy Bridgewater is also available, allowing him to return to the AFC West.

If those options aren’t available, the Raiders could initiate a trade to replace Jimmy Garoppolo. Andy Dalton might be available if the Carolina Panthers go with Bryce Young. The same situation persists for the Washington Commanders if they put Jacoby Brissett on the trading block. Former Patriots offensive coordinator and current Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels could also get Bailey Zappe if Bill Belichick names Mac Jones as their starter.

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