Raiders Open to Jimmy Garoppolo Competing for Starting QB Job With Rookie, GM Says

The Las Vegas Raiders aren't necessarily going to hand Jimmy Garoppolo their starting quarterback job in 2023.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the NFL draft next week, Raiders general manager Dave Ziegler said they are open to bringing in a rookie quarterback who can compete with Garoppolo to be the starter:

"I think that any time you can find a young player at that position that's gonna have an impact on your team, you have to keep an open mind to that. Of course we're excited to have Jimmy and having Jimmy does supply us with a very high-quality starting player at the position. We feel comfortable with that. But, I think to close that door and just say that that's not something you would do because of X,Y and Z, that's not the business we're in."

Even after signing Garoppolo in free agency, head coach Josh McDaniels said the team wouldn't pass on a quarterback early in the draft if they have the chance to select one they value.

"I think we would take the best player," McDaniels told reporters on March 27. "We've kind of said that since we came here. I think we think that's the right way to go. (General manager Dave Ziegler) and I both believe in that: Take the best football player. It always makes your football team better."

Per The Athletic's Tashan Reed and Jeff Howe, the Raiders explored a trade with the Chicago Bears for the No. 1 overall pick but opted against it because they felt the price was too steep.

According to Reed and Howe, the asking price would've been the Raiders' first- and second-round picks in 2023, two future first-round picks and a future second-round pick.

Garoppolo was signed to give Las Vegas a starting-caliber quarterback to replace Derek Carr. But there's nothing that should preclude the Raiders from taking a signal-caller if they want to do so.

The contract Garoppolo signed is very team-friendly. It's a three-year, $72.75 million deal structured in a way that would allow the Raiders to save $9.25 million against the cap if they move on after the 2023 season.

Garoppolo's lengthy injury history with the San Francisco 49ers would also make it beneficial for the Raiders to have quality depth at the position. He's missed 30 games since 2018 due to injuries, including the final five games last season due to a broken foot.

The Raiders currently own the No. 7 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft. The team could wait to see if one of the top quarterbacks falls to them, or they could try to move up to ensure they get the player they really want.