Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has experience with elite pass catchers. During his time with the San Francisco 49ers, the veteran played with Deebo Samuel and George Kittle. So, the transition to Davante Adams should be seamless, right?
Meanwhile, The Athletic’s Vic Tafur stopped by The Rich Eisen Show on Friday. One of the questions that Tafur answered was about the Josh Jacobs saga, of course. Nonetheless, Tafur explained why the Raiders decided not to pick up Jacobs’ option to avoid the situation this year.
So, let’s dive into the latest regarding the two Raiders star players.
Jimmy Garoppolo reveals what makes Davante Adams special…
While Garoppolo isn’t in the “elite” quarterback category, he does have experience working with top pass catchers. After signing a three-year contract with the Raiders, “Jimmy G” now gets to work alongside Adams. As the preseason continues, the two are working on their chemistry.
Ahead of the 2023 season, the two-time Super Bowl champion spoke with SiriusXM NFL Radio about Adams. Even though Garoppolo is developing a connection with the 30-year-old, the signal-caller already sees what makes the six-time Pro Bowler special.
“I mean route running; he’s top of the league, top of the world,” Garoppolo said. “The guy, he’s one of one in that aspect. I haven’t been around a guy who could separate and create that much space that it was weird for me at the beginning, not gonna lie. He would create so much space that you’re like, you know, as a quarterback, don’t miss this throw because he’s so open.
“But no, it’s a great benefit for me to have a guy like that. He talks the language, sees the defense the right way, and it’s all those little things. We’re still growing, me and him, just our one-on-one stuff. But we’re getting it there.”
If the former 49ers quarterback can stay healthy, he has a track record of getting the football to his weapons. Samuel and Kittle have had successful seasons with the 31-year-old under center. Adams should put up the same production many are used to seeing from him, in theory.
Last season was the three-time All-Pro receiver’s first campaign without Aaron Rodgers, and he didn’t skip a beat. Adams recorded 100 receptions, 1,516 receiving yards, and 14 touchdowns. If the chemistry is heading the correct route, perhaps a special season could be brewing.
What do you think, Raiders fans? Will Garoppolo and Adams’ ongoing work lead to success this season? Share your thoughts.
Why the Raiders turned down Josh Jacobs’ fifth-year option?
The discussion around the Jacobs saga is when he’ll return and for how much. However, only a few talk about why both parties reached this point in the contract situation. Las Vegas invested a first-round in 2019, so the Alabama product had high expectations coming into the league.
Nonetheless, the Silver and Black decided against picking up Jacobs’ fifth-year option on his rookie contract. What lead to this decision? Tafur went into detail about the decision-making process.
“Well, I feel they weren’t that sure how good he was,” Tafur told Eisen. “I think they watched the tape, and he was good. But not really that caliber guy, not a guy you can really build around long-term for the future. So, I think they’re willing to go ahead and let him play out the contract and probably not bring him back in the following year. And I think he went ahead and ruined that plan by running for a billion yards and playing every play and breaking every tackle. So, I think he obviously was better than they thought he was.”
Jacobs rushed for over 1,000 yards in his first two seasons with the Raiders. The Las Vegas front office probably based their decision not to exercise his fifth-year option on his Year 3 production.
The organization may have doubted Jacobs’ potential as a franchise running back after he registered only 872 rushing yards in 2021. Whether or not it led to a chip on Jacobs’ shoulder, he tied his career high of 12 touchdowns and won the NFL rushing title in 2022 with 1,653 yards.
As the new season approaches, Las Vegas must offer whatever incentives necessary to ensure Jacobs plays in Week 1. It’s unknown if Garoppolo will have the current rushing champion on his team but having him would certainly make his life easier.
*Top Photo: Official Raiders YouTube Channel
