What Happened to Jimmy Garoppolo?
Jimmy Garoppolo is an American professional football quarterback who, as of April 2026, is a free agent and reportedly considering retirement after a 12-year NFL career. He spent the 2024 and 2025 seasons as a backup for the Los Angeles Rams, following a tumultuous single season with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023, which included a two-game suspension in 2024 for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing substance policy.
Quick Answer
As of April 20, 2026, Jimmy Garoppolo is a free agent and is reportedly considering retirement from the NFL. He spent the 2024 and 2025 seasons as the backup quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams, appearing in limited action. His 2024 season began with a two-game suspension for a PED violation, stemming from a therapeutic use exemption issue with prescribed medication. Prior to the Rams, he had a challenging 2023 season with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he was benched and subsequently released.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Drafted by New England Patriots
Jimmy Garoppolo was selected by the New England Patriots in the second round (62nd overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft.
Traded to San Francisco 49ers
Garoppolo was traded from the New England Patriots to the San Francisco 49ers, where he quickly revitalized the team.
Led 49ers to Super Bowl LIV
Garoppolo guided the San Francisco 49ers to a 13-3 record and an appearance in Super Bowl LIV, where they ultimately lost to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Led 49ers to NFC Championship Game
Garoppolo led the 49ers to the NFC Championship Game, where they fell to the Los Angeles Rams.
Season-ending injury with 49ers
Garoppolo suffered another season-ending injury, leading to Brock Purdy taking over as the 49ers' starting quarterback.
Signed with Las Vegas Raiders
Garoppolo signed a three-year, $72.75 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, reuniting him with former offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.
Benched by Raiders
After struggling with performance and injuries, Garoppolo was benched by the Raiders in favor of rookie Aidan O'Connell following Week 8.
Suspended for PED Violation
The NFL announced a two-game suspension for Garoppolo for violating the league's performance-enhancing substance policy, related to a therapeutic use exemption.
Released by Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders released Garoppolo, saving the team $11.2 million in salary cap space, following his benching and suspension news.
Signed with Los Angeles Rams
Garoppolo signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Rams to serve as the backup quarterback to Matthew Stafford.
Started Week 18 for Rams
Garoppolo started the Rams' regular-season finale against the Seattle Seahawks, completing 27 of 41 passes for 334 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
Re-signed with Los Angeles Rams
Garoppolo re-signed with the Rams on another one-year deal, continuing his role as Matthew Stafford's backup.
Limited Action with Rams
Garoppolo appeared in three games for the Rams but did not attempt a pass, as Matthew Stafford remained healthy.
Considering Retirement
As a free agent, reports indicate that Jimmy Garoppolo is considering retirement from the NFL.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Jimmy Garoppolo's NFL journey, marked by early success and later by injuries and inconsistent play, has led him to a crossroads in 2026. Drafted by the New England Patriots in 2014, he earned two Super Bowl rings as Tom Brady's backup before being traded to the San Francisco 49ers in 2017. With the 49ers, Garoppolo led the team to Super Bowl LIV in 2019 and an NFC Championship appearance in 2021, showcasing his potential as a starting quarterback. However, his tenure in San Francisco was frequently hampered by injuries, limiting his availability and ultimately leading to his departure.
In March 2023, Garoppolo signed a three-year, $72.75 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, reuniting him with former Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. This move was intended to solidify the Raiders' quarterback position, but the season proved challenging. Garoppolo struggled with performance, injuries (including a concussion and back injury), and led the NFL in interceptions before being benched after Week 8 in favor of rookie Aidan O'Connell. The Raiders subsequently released him on March 13, 2024, saving the team $11.2 million in salary cap space.
Shortly after his release from the Raiders, in February 2024, Garoppolo was suspended for the first two games of the 2024 NFL season for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances. This violation was attributed to his use of a prescribed medication without a valid therapeutic use exemption, which he did not appeal. Despite the suspension, he signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Rams on March 19, 2024, to serve as Matthew Stafford's backup. He made one start for the Rams in the 2024 regular-season finale after the team had clinched the NFC West, completing 27 of 41 passes for 334 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
For the 2025 season, Garoppolo re-signed with the Rams on another one-year deal, expressing his satisfaction with the team's culture and his role as a veteran backup. He appeared in three games during the 2025 regular season but did not attempt a pass, as Matthew Stafford remained healthy throughout the year. As of April 20, 2026, Garoppolo, now 34 years old, is a free agent. While the Rams had reportedly shown interest in re-signing him as a backup, and he was briefly linked to the Arizona Cardinals before they signed Gardner Minshew, recent reports indicate that Garoppolo is considering retirement from professional football. His potential retirement marks a significant turning point for a quarterback whose career has been a blend of high expectations, notable achievements, and persistent challenges.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Jimmy Garoppolo made different choices?