Jimmy Garoppolo is mulling retirement. Here's what that means for the Rams

Jimmy Garoppolo is mulling retirement. Here’s what that means for the Rams

Aaron Rodgers isn’t the only high-profile, free-agent quarterback still considering retirement ahead of the 2026 NFL season.

Jimmy Garoppolo is also considering calling it a career after 12 seasons, NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reports.

Rapoport did not outline a timeline for Garoppolo to reach a decision. He simply noted the 34-year-old quarterback was “mulling a final decision.”

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Above, Fernando Mendoza of the Indiana Hoosiers reacts after a touchdown against the Oregon Ducks during the fourth quarter of the 2025 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 09, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia.

Garoppolo has played for four different teams since being selected by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He has a career record of 43-21 across 64 starts – most of which came across six seasons with the San Francisco 49ers – and has completed 67.4% of his passes for 15,828 yards, 96 touchdowns and 52 interceptions while posting a 97.6 passer rating.

Garoppolo spent the last two seasons as a backup with the Rams. He has played sparingly – completing 27 of 41 passes for 334 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in one start – but has provided the Rams a proven, veteran option with Super Bowl experience behind Matthew Stafford.

Garoppolo was favored to occupy that role again in 2026, as Rapoport noted. But if the 34-year-old does call it quits, the Rams may need to consider adding a replacement for him as they look to remain a contender during the twilight of the 38-year-old Stafford’s career.

Los Angeles Rams QB depth chart

The Rams currently have just two quarterbacks on their 90-man roster: Stafford and 2023 fourth-round pick Stetson Bennett IV.

It isn’t clear whether Los Angeles would trust Bennett – who has never played an NFL snap – to be its top backup for the 2026 NFL season. Even if the Rams are willing to do so, they will still need to add a third-string quarterback to the fold.

Rams QB options

Given the Rams’ Super Bowl aspirations, they may want to target an experienced quarterback to back up Stafford. Below are the best, non-Garoppolo backup options remaining on the free agent market:

The Rams could also consider adding a mid-round talent to serve as a backup and groom as a long-term successor for Stafford. That could put players like Garrett Nussmeier, Drew Allar and Carson Beck on Los Angeles’ radar.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is Jimmy Garoppolo retiring? Rams QB options if veteran calls it quits