The biggest signing the Raiders made in free agency this offseason was signing QB Jimmy Garoppolo to a three-year deal worth up to $73 million. It was the biggest contract handed out to a free-agent QB this off-season. But was it justified?
In a recent article by Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus, he took a look at some of the best and worst values so far in free agency. That list actually included Jakobi Meyers, who was viewed as one of the biggest steals in the wide receiver market.
However, Spielberger believes that the Raiders overpaid for Garoppolo compared to what the other free-agent quarterbacks got on the open market. Here are his thoughts on the signing by the Raiders:
We get all the narratives here, and we understand the Raiders first tried to trade up to the No. 1 overall pick via the Chicago Bears before making this move. But this go-around with Josh McDaniels as head coach in Las Vegas was supposed to be different than his first tenure, and all he did this offseason was reunite with old friends and act very Patriots-like, minus the part where he has Tom Brady.
McDaniels also has familiarity with Jacoby Brissett from their time in New England, and Brissett signed a one-year, $8 million contract with the Washington Commanders. Given Garoppolo’s extensive injury history and the lack of other serious suitors, this is just way too much for a bridge quarterback.
It’s hard to argue too much as the Raiders gave Garoppolo $45 million in guaranteed money. He just hasn’t played enough over the last few seasons to justify that contract and the 49ers felt like they needed to give up multiple first-round picks (Trey Lance) to replace him.
The Raiders needed to add a quarterback this offseason and desperation does drive up costs. But it’s hard to make a case that the Raiders didn’t overpay Garoppolo when you see what Jacoby Brissett, Baker Mayfield, Andy Dalton, and Sam Darnold got in free agency.