The Las Vegas Raiders announced some sweeping changes early Wednesday morning, firing head coach Josh McDaniels, general manager Dave Ziegler, and offensive coordinator Mick Lombardi as a result of the team’s struggles this season. But it seems like the changes aren’t stopping there.
According to a report from league insider Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Las Vegas Raiders are planning to bench veteran starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo for the remainder of the season. Instead, the team will be turning to rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell out of Purdue.
Another major move in Las Vegas: The #Raiders are expected to start rookie QB Aidan O’Connell this week and going forward, with Jimmy Garoppolo going to the bench. The promising O’Connell now gets his shot,” Rapoport said in a post on X, the social media website that was formerly known as Twitter.
It’s an absolutely massive announcement from the Raiders, and the NFL world had a lot to say about it on social media as a result.
The Raiders are already on the hook for a fully-guaranteed, $11.25 million roster bonus due to Jimmy Garoppolo in March. His $11.25 million base for 2024, however, is only guaranteed for injury. Which means the Raiders can get out of that unless he gets hurt.
Deja vu in Vegas. https://t.co/gphmLHt8bZ
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) November 1, 2023
Asked a #Raiders source why. Answer:
“He’s our best QB.” https://t.co/JsqS7MpqV5
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 1, 2023
Loving the Raiders process right now
Getting away from a toxic, dysfunctional culture and starting totally fresh while experimenting with what they currently have. Don’t waste time prioritizing people who lack any long-term potential for the franchise https://t.co/NUxmviqTK7
— Nico (@elitetakes_) November 1, 2023
Felt like this was the move regardless of who the coach was. It was time. https://t.co/7E3Nn57xzD
— Your Boy Q (@YourboyQ254) November 1, 2023
You knew this was coming when Mark Davis blew things up this morning. Another offseason-and-a-half up upheaval with the Raiders https://t.co/WMmKb32TD5
— Steve Wyche (@wyche89) November 1, 2023
Never mind that starting the rookie is the smart move at this point to see what he has.
O'Connell also gives them the best chance to win. This is a Davante Adams approved decision. https://t.co/pPtNf8OVtG
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) November 1, 2023
The Raiders brought in Garoppolo to replace the departing Derek Carr and it seemed like they expected him to improve their offense. But that’s not how it turned out, and it seems like they’ve learned that.
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