NFL free agency kicks off on Monday, although the Los Angeles Rams have already gotten a head start in recent weeks.
Their focus so far has been on the offensive side of the ball as after agreeing to a new deal with quarterback Matthew Stafford, they gave him a pair of weapons to work with by signing Davante Adams and Tutu Atwell.
The Rams feel they can win a Super Bowl this season, but there’s no denying that Stafford is getting up there in age at 37. With that being the case, there is an added importance to the backup quarterback position in case Stafford is forced to miss any time.
L.A. brought in veteran Jimmy Garoppolo to back up Stafford last offseason, and all parties enjoyed his first season with the Rams. Because of that, it comes as no surprise that Garoppolo is re-signing with the Rams to return for another season to back up Stafford, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network:
The #Rams are bringing back QB Jimmy Garoppolo, per @MikeGarafolo. He gets a 1-year deal
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 10, 2025
According to reports, Garoppolo is signing a one-year contract with the Rams worth $4 million with incentives that could take it to $11 million. There are now three quarterbacks on the roster with Stafford, Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett, making it unlikely that the Rams draft a signal-caller this year.
Garoppolo proved to be a capable backup for the Rams when he started in Week 18 against the Seattle Seahawks last year. He commanded Sean McVay’s offense well despite the loss, completing 27-of-41 passes for 334 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. With him back for another season, the Rams have a backup quarterback they could trust in the event Stafford were to miss time.
This also marks a reunion for Garoppolo and Adams, who were teammates with the Raiders in 2023.
Sean McVay wanted Rams to retain Jimmy Garoppolo
Before they were able to come to an agreement on a deal, Sean McVay expressed how much he wanted the Rams to bring back Jimmy Garoppolo.
“We would love to bring him back,” McVay said of Garoppolo. “I obviously have been very busy working through the Matthew situation. That’s the hope and anticipation. Now, you guys know that there might be some other interest and Jimmy’s earned the right to be able to have that type of interest.
“But yes, if you said, would I want Jimmy back here to be able to work in the quarterback room with [Quarterbacks Coach] Dave Ragone and Matthew and those guys? The answer is absolutely yes.”
