Jimmy Garoppolo signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Rams, but the aftermath of his brief stint with the Las Vegas Raiders last season resulted in a two-game suspension that awaits the 32-year-old at the start of 2024.
Garoppolo was suspended for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing drug policy, which added an even deeper damper to being released by the Raiders just six starts into a three-year, $72.75 million contract. And when re-telling the tale, Garoppolo attributed the league's findings to an honest -- and costly -- mistake.
"I just messed up with the TUE, really," Garoppolo told reporters Tuesday during a video conference, per the Associated Press. "I hate to joke about it, but I messed up the TUE when I first got to Las Vegas. Bad timing, I guess."
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Garoppolo's suspension was just the cherry on top of a nightmare sundae in Las Vegas. As the then-starter, Garoppolo dealt with several injuries, head-coaching instability and lost his role as the go-to signal caller after a 3-3 start with the Raiders. He also finished his run in Las Vegas throwing seven touchdowns with nine interceptions, which sealed the deal.
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The Raiders expressed zero interest in keeping Garoppolo aboard as an expensive backup, opening the door for the 10-year veteran to find a new clean slate in Los Angeles.
Garoppolo looks forward to helping the Rams, although that comes with remaining in a backup role behind starter Matthew Stafford.
"Having gone against them for so many years, I knew how good this defense was, how... the offense could put up points," Garroppolo added, per ESPN's Sarah Barshop. "It was a good situation, man. That was a big part of my decision. I just wanted to find a good situation, good people around. And I think I found it here."
Garoppolo joins Las Vegas with an 8-0 career record against the Rams.
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