“Go draft a quarterback” - Raiders' Jimmy Garoppolo move fails to impress Colin Cowherd
Jimmy Garoppolo entered the 2023 NFL offseason as one of the best available free agent quarterbacks on the market. His contract expired with the San Francisco 49ers at the conclusion of the 2022 NFL season and they have decided to move forward with Brock Purdy and Trey Lance. Garoppolo was expected to have a large market and it didn't take long for him to be snatched up.
The Las Vegas Raiders have reportedly agreed to a contract that will make Jimmy Garoppolo their starting quarterback for the upcoming 2023 NFL season. The new deal is worth $67.5 million over the next three years, including $34 million in guaranteed money.
The Raiders recently released Derek Carr, who is joining the New Orleans Saints. They replaced him on the first day of legal tampering before the 2023 NFL free agency period. They did so by adding one of the top players in the 2023 free agent class, but Colin Cowherd was left unimpressed by the move.
He spoke on a recent episode of "The Herd" to give his take on the Garoppolo news.
"So if the Raiders finish fourth, it's the most gifted offensive team in a long time to finish fourth. Garoppolo is more than capable of getting banged up. But you know, the Raiders have a lot of good players. I also think it creates clarity.
"Kansas City does not have the Raiders' offensive talent. You can win a lot of games with Jimmy Garoppolo. They'll probably draft a quarterback by the way. If you are the Raiders, go draft a quarterback, because Garoppolo has health concerns."
"Garoppolo is more than capable... You can win a lot of games with him."
— @ColinCowherd reacts to report of Jimmy G to the Raiders https://t.co/XLjZHALQfc
Colin Cowherd is urging the Raiders to select a quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft, despite signing Jimmy Garoppolo. The Raiders currently own the seventh overall pick, as well as ten other picks scattered throughout the draft.
Cowherd cited Garoppolo's extensive injury history as his reason for the suggestion. It is evident as the star QB missed 42 games in six years as the starter for the 49ers.
Having a backup plan isn't a bad idea for the Raiders as they are expected to be potential Super Bowl contenders. They have a difficult road ahead of them, but if Garoppolo can stay healthy, he's in a solid situation to thrive.
Jimmy Garoppolo can help the Raiders challenge for AFC West divison title
Colin Cowherd pointed out that Jimmy Garoppolo is joining one of the best divisions in the NFL. The AFC West is loaded with quarterbacks, including Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs, Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers, and Russell Wilson of the Denver Broncos. The Raiders have the talent to compete for a division title, but it will surely be a challenge.
The Chiefs have owned the AFC West division in recent years, winning the last seven consecutive division titles with two Super Bowl rings in that span. Jimmy Garoppolo will have his work set out for him, but has the offensive firepower to potentially do so. Josh Jacobs led the league in rushing yards last year, while Davante Adams ranked third in receiving yards.