Silver Minings: Jimmy Garoppolo’s
suspension gives Raiders big salary cap boost
One of the Las Vegas Raiders’ offseason issues was resolved yesterday when it was announced that Jimmy Garoppolo would serve a two-game suspension the next season for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substance policy.
The Raiders were supposed to let go of Garoppolo going into free agency, but they would also need to figure out how to spend about $28.4 million. Essentially, they had two choices: bear the loss now or divide it between this year and the following year. But, as Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap notes, Las Vegas will have an easier time because of the quarterback’s contract structure.
Fitzgerald stated, “This suspension is noteworthy because it should nullify Garoppolo’s 2024 $11.25 million salary guarantee, which makes it much easier for the Raiders to release Garoppolo.” This will prevent him from needing to make any monetary payments after his release and lower his dead money amount from $28.4 million to $17.1 million. Garoppolo’s release would take place ahead of schedule because he has a roster bonus that is due on the fifth day of the league season.
At roughly $35.3 million, the Raiders presently have the 11th-most cap space according to OTC. They now have $46.6 million and rank sixth overall thanks to the $11.25 million in savings. While Spotrac’s figures are more liberal, ranging from $43.4 million to $54.7 million, the positions remain unchanged.
Naturally, other Although teams can reorganize their rosters by breaking bad contracts, the Raiders will virtually have enough money to sign a top starter come spring.
