QB for Vikings’ Offseason Rumor Mill May Retire

Garoppolo Pondering Retirement

The Garoppolo retirement smoke is real. NFL.com’s Nick Shook wrote Monday, “Jimmy Garoppolo’s NFL journey might be nearing its end. The 34-year-old quarterback and 12-year NFL veteran is considering retirement, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Monday. After a difficult stint in Las Vegas in 2023, Garoppolo has spent the last two seasons as Matthew Stafford’s backup in Los Angeles, appearing in four games during that span.”

“He didn’t attempt a pass in 2025, watching Stafford produce an NFL MVP-winning season from the sideline. Garoppolo entered free agency in March with little fanfare, as most expected him to return to Los Angeles and resume his role as Stafford’s backup. The Rams haven’t yet signed Garoppolo, though, and publicly mulled pursuing Kirk Cousins before the veteran signed with the Raiders, leaving Garoppolo as the team’s best remaining option.”

It was the first time in his career that Garoppolo threw zero passing attempts in a season.

The Rams’ QB Situation

Matthew Stafford, the reigning league MVP, is obviously the showstopper in Los Angeles and will hold that title for at least one more year. Even at age 38, Stafford is quite durable.

But after him on the depth chart, well, the situation is concerning. Head coach Sean McVay has only Stetson Bennett as his QB2, the man who held down the QB3 job last year behind Stafford and Garoppolo. So when you see the Rams possibly in the market for a rookie quraterback, such as Ty Simpson, Drew Allar, Carson Beck, or Garrett Nussmeier, know that theory has credence.

In fact, it’s a little strange that the Rams don’t re-sign Garoppolo and call it good. Garoppolo’s retirement plans may be legitimate.

Ramblin Fan‘s John Sbisa wrote about Los Angeles’ quarterback state of play, “Accordingly, Los Angeles can no longer approach the draft treating quarterback prospects as an afterthought, a position warranting a Day 3 dart-throw at best. Behind starter Matthew Stafford, Stetson Bennett is the only thing standing between the Rams and utter disaster.”

“The free agent pool is diminished and unappealing. To provide competition for Bennett or, ideally, an upgrade, the Horns might swing for ex-Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, a projected early second-round selection. Is that too drastic? With the rug pulled out from underneath them, the Rams should at least mull over the consideration.”

A Pretty Decent Career for Garoppolo

Despite playing a full season just once in his career — injuries were not kind to Garoppolo — the veteran passer produced a pretty decent career, tallying 64 starts, 15,828 passing yards, 96 touchdowns, and 52 interceptions. He habitually lived in the mid-tier of quarterbacking, a guy who coaches could depend on “not to screw up.”

Teams finished 43-21 on his watch, which is quite remarkable, and during his one healthy season — 2019 — the San Francisco 49ers came within minutes of a Super Bowl win before Patrick Mahomes happened.

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) scans the field and prepares to throw during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field, on Oct 30, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan, working through progressions as the Raiders offense looked to establish rhythm early in the game. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

During the 2019 campaign, Garoppolo accounted for 3,978 passing yards, 27 paydirts, and 13 picks. In that season, he was a Top 8 quarterback.

As of late, he’s been employed as a bridge quarterback and backup.

Maybe a Return Midseason?

While Garoppolo’s retirement feels imminent, he could do the thing where a team gives him a ring in the middle of the season. Sadly, QB1s always get hurt, and for now, those teams’ first call would be to Russell Wilson or Aaron Rodgers, depending on whether Rodgers retires or returns to the Steelers.

For example, teams fall over themselves to get Joe Flacco in a given regular season when injuries emerge. Garoppolo is young enough to be that guy if he’s in the mood.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at Estadio Azteca, on Nov 21, 2022 in Mexico City, reacting with excitement as San Francisco extended its lead in an international matchup. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-Imagn Images

In Minnesota, Garoppolo would’ve been a decent 2026 solution if the Vikings were totally committed to J.J. McCarthy’s development. Signing Garoppolo as a veteran presence made a lot of sense.

Yet, the Vikings veered, adding Kyler Murray for $1.3 million when the Arizona Cardinals decided to move on. Garoppolo became a total afterthought in the Vikings’ offseason plans.

The Rams can size up their QB2 replacement options tomorrow when the NFL draft gets underway.