Garoppolo, 34, is considering retirement as a free agent, according to sources who spoke to NFL Network on Monday.
The quarterback has spent the past two seasons backing up Matthew Stafford with the Los Angeles Rams and was still viewed as the top option to fill that role for 2026.
Garoppolo’s market value has declined after limited playing time in 2025
He appeared in three games during the 2025 season but did not attempt a pass behind a healthy Stafford, reducing his visibility as a viable starter or high-end backup.
Despite completing 27 of 41 passes for 334 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in the Rams’ 2024 regular-season finale, his overall usage has dropped sharply since 2023.
His career totals reflect a steady but unspectacular NFL trajectory
Over 12 seasons and 85 games, Garoppolo has completed 67.4% of his passes for 15,828 yards, 96 touchdowns, and 52 interceptions.
He began his career with the New England Patriots (2014–2016), was traded to the San Francisco 49ers in 2017, and spent six seasons there, throwing for 13,599 yards with 82 touchdowns and 42 interceptions.
After a one-year stint with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023, he was released the following offseason before joining the Rams.
Retirement would remove a veteran quarterback option from a thin free-agent market
With Kirk Cousins already signed by the Raiders and few experienced backups available, Garoppolo’s departure would further limit options for teams seeking insurance behind starting quarterbacks.
His potential exit underscores the narrowing path for aging passers who no longer fit into starting roles but lack the profile to command backup salaries in a cost-conscious league.
Is Garoppolo officially retired?
No, he is only considering retirement; no formal announcement has been made.
Could he still return to the Rams in 2026?
It is unlikely if he retires, but if he continues playing, he remained the Rams’ top backup option before this development.
