There were times when Jimmy Garoppolo considered retiring from the NFL this offseason. Early on, reports linked him to returning to the Los Angeles Rams. Head coach Sean McVay even admitted they’d love to have the two-time Super Bowl champion back in L.A. But that was before the team invested a first-round pick on Ty Simpson.
Recently, Garoppolo revealed to NFL Network insiders that he’d be open to playing another season, under the right circumstances. Being that he’s still just 34 and has a career win-loss record of 43-21, there are several teams who could still use a quality backup, and Jimmy G certainly qualifies. So, who should sign him?
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Los Angeles Chargers
5Aug 10, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh reacts during the game against he New Orleans Saints at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Jim Harbaugh has led the Los Angeles Chargers to back-to-back playoff appearances despite facing several injuries. What if something were to happen to Justin Herbert? Placing postseason hopes on Trey Lance, who’s started six games since becoming the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, may not be wise. Rather, the Chargers’ locker room would likely feel much more confident in Garoppolo, with his 12 seasons of playing experience. While the Chargers likely want to see what Lance is capable of with another offseason of development, not to mentioned the continued improvement from DJ Uiagalelei, Garoppolo’s not a bad backup plan.
Denver Broncos
5Jun 16, 2026; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton speaks to the media following mini camp drills at Broncos Park. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The Denver Broncos know they can’t enter another season with Jarrett Stidham as their QB2. While Sam Ehlinger may very well have the inside track to take over as Bo Nix‘s lead backup, that’s no guarantee. The Broncos have already made their all-in move by trading for Jaylen Waddle. They can’t afford another Super Bowl journey to be sidetracked by injury. They shouldn’t wait, Garoppolo is a free agent right now, but other teams surely have interest.
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Indianapolis Colts
5Jan 4, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen walks the sidelines in the first quarter as the Colts played against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
It’s possible the Indianapolis Colts will receive an offer too good to refuse for Anthony Richardson, especially if he has a strong preseason. If so, their QB room will suddenly look a bit thin. But they can fix that quickly by signing one of the best free agent QBs available in Garoppolo. He’d serve as the perfect short-term bridge for the Colts, possibly even to begin the year while Daniel Jones returns to 100% after last year’s Achilles tear.
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New England Patriots
5Jul 28, 2016; Foxboro, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) throws as offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels looks on during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
One ideal situation, in McDaniels’ mind, could be to reunite with his former coach, Josh McDaniels, back with the New England Patriots. After all, the Patriots already proved they’re capable of reaching a Super Bowl, but the backup QB plan looks a bit shaky. Former undrafted signee Tommy DeVito backs up Drake Maye, but the Patriots may get more consistency out of a vetran like Garoppolo. If nothing else, he’d raise the floor of that QB room while helping provide valuable insight for both Maye and DeVito.
Buffalo Bills
5Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen signals to the offensive line a play during first half action at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Jan. 17, 2026. Mandatory credit: USA Today
The Buffalo Bills don’t have any problems if Josh Allen can stay healthy all season. Which he’s experienced great luck so far, but he also plays with a physical style while shouldering a lot of the offensive load in Buffalo. In other words, he plays with a risky nature. Should something happen to the former MVP, the Bills’ season would be at risk. Garoppolo wouldn’t necessarily act as a savior, but he should be able to navigate potentially treacherous waters much better than the inexperienced options Buffalo has on hand in Kyle Allen and Shane Buechele.
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Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on Sportsnaut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports … More about Andrew Buller-Russ