Las Vegas Raiders backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was suspended by the NFL on Friday for the first two games of next season for violating the league’s and the NFL Players Association’s performance-enhancing drug policy.
ESPN also reported that the Raiders are expected to release Garoppolo next month before an $11.25 million roster bonus takes effect.
Garoppolo’s days in Las Vegas appeared to be over midseason when then-interim coach Antonio Pierce replaced him with rookie Aidan O’Connell for the remainder of the season. Pierce became the Raiders’ full-time coach last month, and the Raiders also hired Tom Telesco as their general manager.
The Raiders signed Garoppolo to a three-year contract worth $72.75 million last offseason when coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler were in charge. He previously quarterbacked the San Francisco 49ers, appearing in one Super Bowl and two NFC title game appearances.
But Garoppolo threw seven touchdown passes and nine interceptions this season with a 77.6 quarterback rating, paving the way for O’Connell to take over.
Garoppolo said after the season that he wanted to be able to play somewhere again.
“I’m pretty open,” Garoppolo said at the time. “Many things are out of my control. I’ve had situations like this before, so as a player you have to roll with the punches a little bit. Whatever happens, I think it all happens for a reason. You have to make the best of your situation.â€
The Raiders still have important decisions to make at quarterback.
O’Connell could keep the job after going 5-4 under Pierce, or Las Vegas could look to upgrade via free agency, a trade or this year’s draft.
“There haven’t been many years where I’ve been the undisputed starter, so I’m used to competing,” O’Connell said on Jan. 25. “I had to struggle to get to this place where I am now. I also think it would be good to have competition in this league. It’s the NFL. It’s the best of the best, so it’s my job to try to keep my job.â€