Breathe easy, Raider Nation. After waves of uncertainty clouded the quarterback position this offseason, it seems as though we finally have our long-awaited answer. Jimmy Garoppolo has passed his physical, thus clearing him to compete at Raiders training camp with his new teammates.
QB1 Will Be Available To Open Raiders Training Camp
Back in March, Garoppolo reunited with general manager Dave Ziegler and head coach Josh McDaniels in Sin City. The trio spent multiple seasons together in the Patriots organization, but Bill Belichick and Tom Brady always captained that ship.
Now, the triumvirate of Garoppolo, McDaniels, and Ziegler is embracing the challenge of implementing the Patriot Way elsewhere. Whether or not they succeed is a different story, but all the pieces are in place following an offseason of roster turnover.
Raiders Fans Feeling Optimism After Jimmy Garoppolo News
In a poll conducted by The Raider Ramble Twitter page, we took the pulse of Raider Nation by asking an all-important question. Feel free to click on the tweet below and vote for yourself—make your voice heard!
Now that we know Jimmy Garoppolo is ready to go for training camp (h/t @AdamSchefter), are you feeling a little more optimistic Raider Nation?
— RaiderRamble.com™ (@TheRaiderRamble) July 23, 2023
As of this writing, 51 percent of the 168 voters feel increased optimism toward Garoppolo after ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted the good news. A sizable 31 percent of the fan base is unchanged in their stance, good or bad. And the remaining 18 percent are flat-out not feeling the Jimmy G signing either way.
The depth chart is plenty flawed in key areas; I will not argue there. A healthy Garoppolo goes a long way toward success on the offensive side, though. Davante Adams is as steady as they come, and Josh Jacobs, if he returns, will lead the way for the run game.
The 31-year-old signal-caller is available for Week 1, but how long after that?
Jimmy G’s deal is for three years and worth up to $72.75 million. His $45 million in guarantees presents a hefty investment on the surface. However, $33.75 million of that amount comes off the books in year one.
In short, Garoppolo could be jettisoned at season’s end if he underwhelms. That could result from a lack of production or an inability to stay healthy for the Silver and Black. The final year of his deal features zero dead cap for the franchise.
One thing is for certain as Raiders training camp gets underway: Vegas will have the nine-year veteran available to open team activities. How long will it last? Only the Injury Gods can say. The constant worry around the most important position is over—for now.
*Top Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images
