Raiders' Garoppolo Faces 2-Game Suspension for PED Policy Violation

In a significant development for the Las Vegas Raiders, quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo will be sidelined for the first two games of the 2024 NFL season. This suspension comes as a result of a violation of the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy, a situation confirmed by CBS Sports lead NFL insider Jonathan Jones and reported by ESPN. The violation is specifically linked to Garoppolo’s use of a prescribed medication without a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption.

Garoppolo’s suspension carries implications regardless of his team affiliation, indicating that he will serve the ban even if he is not with the Raiders. This seems to be the likely scenario, as reports suggest that the Raiders are poised to release Garoppolo before the fifth day of the new league year in mid-March. This move would prevent the Raiders from having to pay his $11.25 million roster bonus.

Financially, the suspension also affects Garoppolo’s contract status. According to Spotrac, his fully guaranteed $11.25 million salary for 2024 will most likely void due to the suspension. Consequently, upon his release, the Raiders would incur a dead salary cap hit of $17 million but would also free up $10 million in cap space for 2024.

Garoppolo’s tenure with the Raiders has been short-lived. After signing a three-year, $72.5 million contract last offseason, he started only six games, achieving a 3-3 record. His performance was marked by a 65.1% completion rate, seven touchdowns, and nine interceptions. Injuries and ineffectiveness led to his benching in favor of rookie fourth-rounder Aidan O’Connell.

The Raiders’ quarterback situation remains a topic of interest, with the team potentially looking to the 2024 NFL Draft for a new signal-caller. Garoppolo, with his experience, could become a sought-after backup, though a starting position seems unlikely.

Garoppolo’s career has seen its ups and downs. He began with the New England Patriots, moved to the San Francisco 49ers, and then joined the Raiders. His latest challenge will be finding a new team as he faces a two-game suspension.

The NFL’s stance on performance-enhancing substances is clear, and quarterbacks have seldom been suspended for such violations. Garoppolo’s case is a reminder of the league’s strict policy, which has seen few quarterbacks penalized in recent years.

As the Raiders prepare for a future without Garoppolo, the quarterback will be able to participate in all offseason activities and training camp. His next steps will be closely watched as he navigates the consequences of his actions and seeks to continue his career in the NFL.