Many NFL teams are making last-minute tweaks before the 2023 season, and one of the notable transactions was the Trey Lance trade. Now, who might know the young quarterback enough to provide a reaction? Well, how about the Las Vegas Raiders‘ Jimmy Garoppolo?
“Jimmy G” spent the last two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers as Lance’s teammate. The veteran spoke to the NFL Network’s Andrew Siciliano and shared his thoughts on the 23-year-old heading to the Dallas Cowboys.
Meanwhile, the Raiders’ offense received an edge for their Week 2 contest and has nothing to do with the squad. The Buffalo Bills will likely be without a key player on their defense for the first four games of this season.
So, let’s get into the latest surround the Silver and Black.
“Jimmy G” weighs in on the 49ers trading Trey Lance to the Cowboys
San Francisco made the most notable transaction this preseason when they decided to pull the plug on the Lance era. Well, plugging it before it ever really began, if we’re being honest. After the 49ers traded up to draft the North Dakota State product at No. 3 overall in 2021, Lance was supposed to be the face of the franchise.
Nonetheless, a season-ending ankle injury last year and the emergence of Brock Purdy derailed that possibility. Garoppolo knows the 23-year-old and probably was his mentor despite understanding that he would lose his starting job. When “Jimmy G” appeared on NFL Network, Siciliano had to get his reaction to what transpired at his former team.
“Excited for Trey, just a new opportunity for him,” Garoppolo told Siciliano. “Things didn’t work out in San Francisco for whatever reasons, but [I’m] glad that he gets another shot, man. This league’s all about opportunities, and when you get a fresh one like that, you just got to take advantage of it.
Everyone has their own path and everything like that. It’s never going to be easy, but how you come out on the other end of it. So, I’m always excited for him, man. He’s a brother of mine, always pulling for him.”
The 31-year-old knows about searching for a new opportunity, so he speaks from experience. The two-time Super Bowl left the New England Patriots for the 49ers after it was clear he would never start with Tom Brady there. Afterward, when the writing was on the wall in the Bay Area, Garoppolo left to join the Silver and Black.
Garoppolo probably hopes the new start that reunites him with head coach Josh McDaniels is as good as his 49ers stint. As this season progresses, the veteran will be linked to Lance and Purdy. The ongoing debate will cause many to wonder if San Francisco kept the right player under center.
Raiders offense receives boost after reported Von Miller news
Las Vegas’ offensive line might breathe a sigh of relief knowing that their Week 2 matchup against Buffalo won’t feature Von Miller. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on Tuesday, citing a source, that the Bills plan to put Miller on the reserve/PUP list as he recovers from a torn ACL.
As a result, the veteran pass rusher will be out for the first four weeks of the regular season. Raiders fans know the disruptive force that Miller can be from his time with the Denver Broncos. Furthermore, with no Miller to watch out for, Garoppolo will have plenty of time in the pocket. Well, in theory at least. The veteran can distribute the ball to the weapons at his disposal to combat Josh Allen.
If Las Vegas can secure a win over the Denver Broncos in Week 1, they could be staring at the possibility of starting this season 2-0. Recently, Rich Eisen stated that the Silver and Black’s schedule in September will determine their playoff fate. Two wins to start the new campaign could begin to plant the seeds for a postseason berth.
So, Raiders fans, how are you feeling now that the Bills reportedly won’t have Von Miller for their Week 2 match? Should Las Vegas be the favorite in the Week 2 contest, or are you cautiously optimistic? Let us know.
*Top Photo: Associated Press