That’s ... a lot of money for Garoppolo in 2025. After ludicrous talk that the Rams could turn to Jimmy G as starter were Matthew Stafford to move on, sanity has prevailed with Stafford reworking his contract and Garoppolo returning as the backup. Jimmy G is only 33, but he looks much older in the pocket. A potential Stafford injury would be a grim situation, but maybe Garoppolo is more healed up from years of injuries than we would guess. He would undoubtedly be efficient in Sean McVay’s offense if he could remain on the field. He’s not a bad backup from that perspective. It’s just the durability woes.

It’s exactly the kind of thing you would expect from a team playing hardball with their starting quarterback. The Rams last week granted Stafford permission to speak with other teams and try to work out a trade this offseason. Stafford, 37, who struggled at times over the past two seasons in LA, has two years remaining on his deal with the Rams. He has been linked to the Giants in trade talks over the past couple weeks as the Rams hedge on bringing back Stafford for a sixth season in LA. While Garoppolo would be in the mix to start for the Rams if Stafford leaves, he would certainly see competition in training camp. Garoppolo had 333 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in his lone start of 2024, a Week 18 loss to Seattle.

Garoppolo looked good in his lone start of the season, with the Rams resting their starters ahead of the playoffs. Conducting the Sean McVay offense with short, on-time throws and all the requisite button pushing, Garoppolo averaged over eight yards per attempt, spreading the ball around and rarely making an errant throw. Garoppolo, 33, will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason and could land with any number of teams seeking a reliable backup QB.

McVay said Stafford will get a rest week. Other starters will join him on the bench as well. Garoppolo will take his first live snap since Week 8 of the 2023 season during his failed stint in Las Vegas. With Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua presumably among those resting in Week 18, Garoppolo is on the QB2/3 border for fantasy purposes this week.