Jimmy Garoppolo Is Considering Retirement and the Rams Just Lost Their Backup Plan

Jimmy Garoppolo is thinking about hanging it up. The 34-year-old free agent quarterback is considering retirement, according to sources who spoke to NFL Network on Monday. This isn't some mid-tier backup we're talking about either. Garoppolo has spent the last two seasons with the Los Angeles Rams backing up Matthew Stafford, and he was still considered the top option to fill that role heading into the 2026 season.

The Rams' Backup QB Problem Just Got Real

Here's the timing issue: at the NFL's annual meeting last month, Rams coach Sean McVay said the team was looking at Garoppolo and Kirk Cousins as options to back up Stafford. Well, Cousins picked the Las Vegas Raiders instead. Now Garoppolo is weighing whether he even wants to keep playing. If he walks away, the Rams suddenly have a major hole to fill behind their starting quarterback.

What Garoppolo Brings to the Table

The guy has been around forever. Garoppolo started his career with the New England Patriots in 2014, where he backed up Tom Brady for three seasons. Over 85 games across 12 seasons in the league, he's completed 67.4% of his passes for 15,828 yards with 96 touchdowns and 52 interceptions. Last season with the Rams, he appeared in three games but didn't attempt a single pass because Stafford stayed healthy all year. The only meaningful action he saw was the 2024 regular-season finale after LA had already clinched the NFC West. In that game, he went 27 of 41 for 334 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception.

Whether Garoppolo decides to call it quits or keeps playing, the Rams need answers at backup quarterback. The clock is ticking as the offseason moves forward.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.