Veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is not retiring and remains open to playing in the upcoming NFL season if the right opportunity arises, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.
Garoppolo, 34, considered retirement this offseason but has decided to continue his career. He spent the last two seasons as the backup to Matthew Stafford with the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams drafted quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, suggesting Garoppolo is unlikely to return to the team.
"Here's my understanding with Jimmy G. In the right situation, he will come back, and he will play football," Garafolo reported. "He has not decided to retire. He just needed some time to himself this offseason."
Garafolo indicated that Garoppolo's return might not be immediate and could depend on team needs, potentially arising from an injury to another quarterback. "I don’t think anything is imminent. I wouldn’t expect him to sign with anybody. Maybe it’s gonna have to be an injury to a quarterback and you need a veteran guy to be part of the mix, if not the starter," he said.
Garoppolo, who has played 12 seasons in the NFL, previously led the San Francisco 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance in February 2020. His availability means he could join a team later in the season if quarterback injuries create a need for an experienced player.