Raiders get an uncanny quarterback in free agency

The NFL off-season began fast for the Las Vegas Raiders when the team decided to part ways with nine year starter Derek Carr. Carr last week signed with the New Orleans Saints. Leaving the Raiders without a quality starting quarterback. One option fans discussed for the Raiders was backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham. Stidham decided to sign with the Raiders division rival the Broncos.

With dwindling options for the Raiders at the quarterback position. Josh McDaniels decided on a familiar face in former 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garopolo. Garopolo agreed to a three-year, $67.5 million deal, including $34 million guaranteed. Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels gets his guy he coached and drafted the quarterback in their days at New England and the two spent three years together.

Since Garrapolo’s departure from the 49ers he has had a pretty successful career. In his time in San Francisco, Garoppolo threw for 13,599 yards and 82 touchdowns with 42 interceptions while completing 67.6% of his passes. In his 63 starts (including the playoffs), the Niners went 44-19. The backdrop of this signing for the Raiders is Garoppolo has a rich history with injuries. Garoppolo missed 30 games with various ankle, shoulder, thumb and knee injuries after becoming the Niners' starter. He has only started one full season in his career.

It's hard to say right now if Garoppolo is an upgrade or not for the Raiders while he does have starting super bowl experience. His injury history is worth mentioning. Another aspect he brings to the table is that he understands “The Patriot Way” which seems to be important to former Patriots coaches. The Raiders start a new chapter with Garoppolo, who will turn 32 years old during the season. They'll find out if the familiarity between McDaniels and Garoppolo leads to some wins