Jimmy Jet? Should New York Sign Garoppolo as Rodgers Backup?

Despite his injury concerns, the New York Jets may be wise to consider the services of soon-to-be free agent quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo as Aaron Rodgers’ backup.

The New York Giants have their “Tommy DeVito.”  

Is it time for the New York Jets to channel their inner “Goodfellas” by signing “Jimmy the Gent … err … Jet?”

Considering their need for a veteran backup quarterback, the Jets, per The Athletic, are one of nine teams who may be in the market for soon-to-be free agent Jimmy Garoppolo. 

“It seems like the general manager in New York, Aaron Rodgers, will want a younger backup who is no threat to his hold on the locker room,” wrote The Athletic’s Vic Tafur. “Zach Wilson was the perfect backup except for the pesky hitting-open-receivers issue. Garoppolo could be a reserve option for the Jets”

Based on the recent “decree” of team owner Woody Johnson, the Jets will all-but certainly be seeking a “Robin” to Rodgers’ “Batman.” At the same time, they are also expected to explore trade options for 2021 No. 2 overall selection Zach Wilson. To do so, they may look to an experienced veteran such as Garoppolo to fill the role. 

NFL Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo takes flight in F-16 fighter jet with Air Force Thunderbirds :: Cred: Team Whistle/USAA

The 32-year-old will be released by the Las Vegas Raiders at the start of the NFL year in March, and is also facing a two-game suspension for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances — purportedly due to his failure to obtain permission for taking prescribed medication. 

Still, the suspension will allow Garoppolo to participate in the offseason program, training camp and even preseason games and he’ll then sit out the first two games of the regular season.

Garoppolo was selected in the second round of the 2014 NFL draft by the New England Patriots, where he spent his first four seasons as Tom Brady's backup. During his time in New England, he was a member of two Super Bowl-winning teams. 

The Eastern Illinois product was traded to the San Francisco 49ers at the 2017 trade deadline, where he helped revitalize a 1–10 team by winning the five remaining games of the season. In light of his stellar performance, the Niners signed him to a lucrative contract extension in Feb. 2018. During his six years in San Francisco, he compiled a 38-17 record, while completing 67.6 percent of his passes, 82 of which went for touchdowns. His most successful season was in 2019 when he guided the 49ers to their conference's top seed and an appearance in Super Bowl LIV. 

However, injuries began to take their toll on Garoppolo. Having suffered a season-ending torn ACL in 2018, subsequent ankle and foot injuries ultimately derailed his Niners tenure. In his first and only season with the Raiders, he missed training camp while recovering from offseason foot surgery, while missing a pair of games due to a concussion and back injury, respectively. Unsurprisingly, Garoppolo struggled mightily on the field before eventually being benched at the end of October in favor of backup Aiden O’Connell.

While Garappolo’s risk may seem to outweigh the reward, he is expected to enter the season fully healthy and eager to re-establish his reputation as a solid NFL quarterback. He is also known to be popular among his teammates, drawing praise from Brady, O’Connell and 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy as one of the most helpful and engaged players with whom they have shared a quarterback room. 

Still, Garoppolo’s looming suspension, as well as his questionable durability, are likely to give teams pause when considering signing the veteran. As such, New York may be able to secure his services for a team-friendly price.   

In all honesty, Garoppolo may be as beneficial for the Jets, as the team would be to him. Having acquired Rodgers in an offseason trade with the Green Bay Packers, New York’s expectations were high heading into 2023. However, several key injuries — including Rodgers’ suffering a season-ending torn Achilles in Week 1 —as well as poor quarterback play from reserves Zach Wilson and Tim Boyle led to an overall disappointing season. In the event Rodgers’ comeback attempt is compromised, they would surely prefer to have a reserve option ready at a moment’s notice. 

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“There is also a chance Garoppolo takes the Joe Flacco road and sits on his couch until injuries hit and some team needs an emergency starter,” Tafur wrote. “That seems unlikely given Garoppolo’s competitiveness and how much he still enjoys being part of a team.”

Though Rodgers is expected to be ready for the start of training camp, the presence of Garoppolo as a veteran backup just might be exactly what Gang Green needs most heading into 2024. 

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