The Kansas City Chiefs’ AFC West rivals have also made some big moves at some important positions in free agency, including one move to establish a new starting quarterback.
As first reported by NFL Network reporter Mike Garafolo, San Francisco 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo is set to join the Las Vegas Raiders. Reports from ESPN’s Adam Schefter indicate that Garoppolo will receive a three-year deal worth $67.5 million, including $34 million in guaranteed money to become the starter in Las Vegas after Derek Carr’s departure to the New Orleans Saints.
Even with his six years in San Francisco, Raiders HC Josh McDaniels is very familiar with Garoppolo from the time the two shared together with the New England Patriots. Garoppolo was a second-round pick in 2014 and at one point was viewed as the heir apparent to Tom Brady.
The #Raiders are closing in on a deal with QB Jimmy Garoppolo, sources say. After six seasons and a Super Bowl appearance with the #49ers, Jimmy G is on his way to Vegas, the site of this season’s Super Bowl, to reunite with Josh McDaniels. pic.twitter.com/R4dSLyj5SX
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 13, 2023
McDaniels isn’t the only one familiar with Jimmy G, though. The Chiefs have faced the 49ers with Garoppolo at quarterback three times during the Patrick Mahomes era. Garoppolo lost on each of those three occasions, including on the biggest stage during Super Bowl LIV. In those three games against K.C., Jimmy G averaged 22 completions for 258 passing yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He’ll now face Kansas City twice a year without the benefit of an incredible defense and Kyle Shanahan’s brilliant play-calling. That’s going to be a tough task for the veteran quarterback, even with a solid 40-17 regular-season record as a starter in his career.
