Due to his two-game suspension for using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), Jimmy Garoppolo of the Raiders is expected to be released by Vegas.

Jimmy Garoppolo, the quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders, will miss the first two games of the upcoming season due to his violation of the NFL’s policy regarding performance-enhancing drugs, as revealed by chief NFL insider Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports.

Garoppolo’s offense, according to ESPN, was “using a prescribed medication without having a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption.” No matter which team he plays for, Garoppolo will be suspended; nonetheless, it seems unlikely that he will rejoin the Raiders.

According to Adam Schefter, the Raiders want to cut Garoppolo before the fifth day of the new league year in mid-March in order to avoid having to pay his $11.25 million roster bonus. Spotrac reports that the suspension will probably render Garoppolo’s fully guaranteed $11.25 million pay for 2024 worthless. In other words, the Raiders would have a $17 million dead salary cap charge upon Garoppolo’s release and would have $10 million in cap space available for 2024.

It appears doubtful that Garoppolo would find a job as a starting quarterback, but given his experience, he might become a sought-after backup following release.

After playing three or more seasons in New England and five or more seasons in San Francisco throughout his first nine years of the game, Garoppolo last offseason inked a three-year, $72.5 million contract with Las Vegas. Due to a foot issue that required surgery, his signing was first postponed. However, he was able to rejoin the team in time for training camp.

For the Raiders, Garoppolo started just six games, going 3-3 with a completion percentage of 65.1%, an average of 7.1 yards per attempt, and seven touchdowns versus nine interceptions. Due to inefficiency and injuries, Aidan O’Connell, a rookie fourth-round pick, was benched in favor of him.

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Sources: The Raiders Two-game suspension for Jimmy Garoppolo for infraction

According to insiders, Garoppolo will miss the first two games of the 2024 season and will not appeal the ban.

There is no relationship or commitment to Garoppolo since Tom Telesco is the general manager and Antonio Pierce is the coach right now. While some in the league think that Las Vegas might make a strong move to trade up from its current No. 13 pick, the Raiders will be looking to add another quarterback in the draft.

The two quarterbacks on the Raiders’ roster once Garoppolo is officially cut are veteran Brian Hoyer and Aidan O’Connell, who was also close to McDaniels and Ziegler during their time together in New England.

Following his stint with the San Francisco 49ers in 2022 and his departure to join as a free agent with the Raiders in 2023, Garoppolo, 32, is anticipated to be searching for his third team in as many seasons.

As per the NFL regulations, he can take part in all offseason events and training camp with whichever team he signs; but, he will be suspended and unable to play for his new team for two weeks after the regular season starts.