The Raiders paid Jimmy Garoppolo this offseason quite a bit of money to be their franchise quarterback. But one of the biggest concerns with that decision was his health. Garoppolo has had a hard time staying on the field over the last few seasons.
Since he became a full-time starter in 2018, Garoppolo has played 56 out of a possible 89 games. There have been injuries to his foot, knee, shoulder, and now his back. And with Garoppolo turning 32 in November, it’s unlikely that he’s going to get more durable as he gets older.
That is why quarterback remains the biggest long-term need of the Raiders. Even when Garoppolo has been healthy, he has struggled. He is a fine stop-gap option, but not the long-term answer the Raiders need at that position.
In a recent article by Pro Football Focus, they agreed that quarterback is the biggest need on the roster moving forward. And they believe Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy could be a potential solution:
McCarthy has the arm to succeed at the NFL level. He can hit the “Sunday throws” with both distance and velocity and is improving his touch in 2023. He has a slender build but will be a passer the league covets.
If the season ended today, the Raiders would have the No. 12 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. But it’s likely they will move up higher with their upcoming schedule. Las Vegas will probably stay out of Caleb Williams range, but McCarthy is someone to watch for the Raiders moving forward.
