Raiders should stay away from Jimmy Garoppolo bidding war

The Raiders reportedly are among multiple suitors for veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, but they should make sure not to overpay for his services.

Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Las Vegas, Houston and Carolina are interested in the 31-year-old free-agent QB, as well.

The Raiders are particularly QB-needy because they only have one under contract, Chase Garbers, a 23-year-old never attempted who’s never attempted a pass in a true NFL game.

There are reasons to like the former 49ers QB. He has a winning record (40-17), led San Francisco to a Super Bowl LIV appearance and has the sixth-best career passer rating (99.6) among active QBs. 

Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels is familiar with Garoppolo, too. He played under McDaniels from 2014-16 while the coach served as New England’s offensive coordinator.

Despite the positives, Garoppolo’s potential asking price may be too high, especially for a player who’s only played one entire season in a nine-year career and has no Pro Bowls. 

According to Spotrac, Garoppolo’s market value is a four-year deal worth $34.9M annually. The Raiders have enough cap space ($39.7M, per Spotrac), but they should use it to improve other areas, like their defense, which ranked 28th in yards allowed last season.

Plus, Las Vegas has a high first-round draft pick (No. 7 overall) within range to select a young QB who can develop into a franchise player. 

Per ESPN’s Todd McShay, the Raiders are a threat to trade up to the No. 4 pick and select Florida’s Anthony Richardson, who broke the QB vertical jump record at the combine. 

If Las Vegas drafts a rookie QB, it can sign an inexpensive bridge QB, such as Jacoby Brissett or Baker Mayfield, to start Week 1. Each has a market value below $7M, per Spotrac, which makes more financial sense than breaking the bank for Jimmy G.