Jimmy Garoppolo is a game manager. While that isn’t the best label for a quarterback, the veteran has shown that he can win with the right pieces around him. Garoppolo took the San Francisco 49ers to Super Bowl LIV, and would have won if it were not for some guy named Patrick Mahomes. Still, according to a former Pro Bowl wideout, the Raiders’ signal-caller cannot shoulder the team’s offense.
Former NFL wide receiver Greg Jennings believes the Las Vegas Raiders are playing with fire by not having Josh Jacobs in training camp. The problem Jennings foresees is the Silver and Black potentially asking Garoppolo to do more than he’s comfortable with.
If Jacobs decides to sit out for part – or all – of the regular season, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox has a list of bargain running backs and other free agents Las Vegas should consider.
The news surrounding the Raiders doesn’t stop, so let’s get into the latest.
Greg Jennings: Raiders cannot ask “Jimmy G” to carry the offense
Las Vegas signed Garoppolo to a three-year contract worth up to $72.5 million this offseason. Although some might see “Jimmy G” as a dropoff from Derek Carr, he’s a better fit in head coach Josh McDaniels’ system. If the Silver and Black want to be successful with the two-time Super Bowl champion, the 49ers laid out the blueprint.
San Francisco put weapons at receiver with a complimentary sound running game. All Garoppolo had to do was distribute the football, resulting in a successful stint in the Bay Area. Nonetheless, Jennings notes that the Raiders are steering away from this blueprint, starting with Jacobs’ absence.
“It’s important to be able to have all your best weapons, a part of what you’re trying to accomplish,” Jennings said on FOX Sports’ The Carton Show Monday. “And with the Raiders not having Josh Jacobs, it is going to put a lot more on Jimmy Garoppolo’s shoulder offensively.”
“That is not who this team is. That is not what you brought in Jimmy Garoppolo to do and say, ‘Hey, this is your job. This is your offense. You shoulder the load.’ No, you knew you had a guy behind him that you could rely on that was going to sustain that running game.”
The current NFL rushing champion can only play on the franchise tag or a separate agreed upon one-year deal. Jacobs has to weigh when he returns, knowing there’s no security of a long-term contract should an injury occur.
Even though Jacobs has to do what’s best for him, there’s no denying his absence hurts “Jimmy G.” While the 49ers didn’t have a player of Jacobs’ caliber for most of Garoppolo’s tenure in San Francisco, they were able to run the football. The veteran quarterback then distributed the football to their playmakers: George Kittle, Deebo Samuel, and Brandon Aiyuk.
Ironically, Las Vegas is about to begin its preseason against the 49ers on Sunday. The clock is ticking for the franchise to work out a one-year agreement with Jacobs. If not, Garoppolo could have a challenging time under center.
Should the Silver and Black continue to dive into the free agent market?
Despite the 2023 season approaching, the Raiders haven’t stopped fixing issues with their roster. Las Vegas recently signed Marcus Peters to beef up the secondary. After that, linebacker Darius Harris was added for depth.
Should the Raiders continue to explore the market and address more needs? Kristopher Knox believes the answer is yes.
Knox noted two players who can add more depth to the team’s defensive line. Chandler Jones is coming off a disappointing Year 1 with Las Vegas, so he’ll look to bounce back. Meanwhile, Tyree Wilson is slowly returning from a foot injury.
Factoring these things in, perhaps the Raiders could use some veteran edge rush help.
Knox listed Carlos Dunlap as a name the Silver and Black should consider. Dunlap wouldn’t hurt, as he could slide into the rotation with ease. The 34-year-old had 8.5 sacks in 2021 and four sacks in 2022, proving he can still contribute despite his age.
Then there’s the interior portion of the defensive line. Matthew Ioannidis remains a free agent after having a Pro Football Focus grade of 66.4 last season. The 29-year-old can still contribute, and there can always be more rotational pieces at the defensive tackle position.
With the season nearing, what do you say, Raiders fans; should the team dive into free agency and address any defensive needs?
*Top Photo: Wade Vandervort/Las Vegas Sun via AP
