Could Jimmy Garoppolo be in play for backup-needy Giants?
Editor’s note: Jimmy Garoppolo is still on the Las Vegas Raiders’ roster but they are expected to release him before the start of free agency.
The New York Giants will address the quarterback position at some point this offseason. Not only is it necessary, but general manager Joe Schoen has been remarkably transparent that someone — maybe a couple of players — will be added.
Veteran Tyrod Taylor had his contract voided earlier this month and he’s headed for the open market. Schoen left the door open for him to return but it’s more likely the Giants look elsewhere.
Behind Daniel Jones, the only quarterback who remains under contract is Tommy DeVito, who will almost certainly be back.
So that leaves Schoen with two options for a backup: He can sign a veteran in free agency or he can select a quarterback in the 2024 NFL draft.
One potential free agent option, says Vic Tafur of The Athletic, is former second-round pick Jimmy Garoppolo.
The Giants are married to Daniel Jones for better or for worse, but Garoppolo gives them a backup who knows Brian Daboll from their days together with the Patriots. This one only makes sense if you don’t believe in Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy and Tommy DeVito.
Head coach Brian Daboll may have been overseeing tight ends at the time, but as Tafur alludes, he did spend three seasons with Garoppolo in New England.
While Jimmy G barely saw the field over that span, Daboll did become familiar with the person and his work ethic.
Garoppolo is a guy who could come in and compete with Jones, helping to push the $160 million man after basically getting a free ride over the past six seasons. He’s also capable of stepping in and playing well should DJ go down hurt, which is what attracted the Giants to Taylor in 2022.
The problem when it comes to Garoppolo is that he was recently suspended two games for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substances policy. He does not plan to appeal and will miss the first two weeks of the 2024 regular season which is most likely when the Giants would need him most as Jones works his way back from a torn ACL.
