Free agent quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is considering retirement, sources told NFL Network on Monday.
Garoppolo has not played a full season as a starter since 2022
The 34-year-old spent the past two seasons backing up Matthew Stafford with the Los Angeles Rams, appearing in just three games during the 2025 season without attempting a pass behind Stafford. He started the Rams’ 2024 regular-season finale after the team clinched the NFC West, completing 27 of 41 passes for 334 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. His last significant playing time came in 2022 with the San Francisco 49ers, where he started 12 games before a season-ending foot injury.
Career totals show consistent production despite limited recent action
Over 12 NFL seasons, Garoppolo has completed 67.4% of his passes for 15,828 yards, 96 touchdowns, and 52 interceptions in 85 games. He began his career with the New England Patriots (2014–2016), backing up Tom Brady, before being traded to the 49ers in 2017. With San Francisco (2017–2022), he threw for 13,599 yards, 82 touchdowns, and 42 interceptions. After a one-year stint with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023, he was released and signed with the Rams, where he remained a backup through 2025.
Rams had viewed him as top backup option for 2026
At the NFL’s annual meeting last month, Rams coach Sean McVay said the team was considering Garoppolo and Kirk Cousins for the backup role behind Stafford. Cousins has since signed with the Las Vegas Raiders, leaving Garoppolo as the remaining internal candidate. His potential retirement would remove that option and force the Rams to seek another veteran backup or promote from within.
Is Jimmy Garoppolo officially retired?
No, he has not announced retirement; sources say he is only considering it.
What teams has Jimmy Garoppolo played for?
He has played for the New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, Las Vegas Raiders, and Los Angeles Rams.
