Could Jimmy Garoppolo Be the Perfect Veteran Backup for the Vikings?

The Vikings’ Need for a Reliable Backup

With Sam Darnold potentially leaving in free agency, the Minnesota Vikings will need a veteran quarterback to pair with J.J. McCarthy for the 2025 season. The ideal candidate would be someone with starting experience—capable of stepping in early if McCarthy isn’t deemed ready for Week 1, whether physically or mentally. A solid backup with a skill set that fits Kevin O’Connell’s offensive scheme is crucial.

Exploring the Options: Daniel Jones and Jimmy Garoppolo

While Nick Mullens has been a serviceable backup, the Vikings will likely aim higher. One name that stands out is Daniel Jones, who spent the final six weeks of last season on Minnesota’s practice squad. However, another intriguing possibility is Jimmy Garoppolo, the former 49ers and Raiders starter.

The Journey of Jimmy G

Garoppolo began his career as Tom Brady’s backup in New England before being traded to the 49ers in 2017. He quickly became San Francisco’s starter, leading them to a Super Bowl appearance in 2019 and the NFC Championship Game in 2021. However, injuries and the emergence of Brock Purdy led to his departure.

In 2023, Garoppolo signed a multi-year deal with the Raiders but struggled and was ultimately benched. After being released, he landed with the Rams as Matthew Stafford’s backup. Though his days as a full-time starter may be over, he still possesses the experience and game management skills needed in the right situation.

Why Garoppolo Makes Sense for Minnesota

Garoppolo has strong ties to people within the Vikings organization. GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah overlapped with him in San Francisco from 2017-2019, and while Kevin O’Connell wasn’t on staff at that time, he coached against Garoppolo in the NFC West while with the Rams. Additionally, Garoppolo just spent a season working under Sean McVay, O’Connell’s former mentor, further deepening the connection.

Financially, the move also makes sense. Garoppolo earned just over $3 million with the Rams last season, and a similar contract in 2025 would be manageable for the Vikings. While he struggled with the Raiders in 2023, he played well in his final season with the 49ers. In his lone start for the Rams—a meaningless Week 18 game—he threw for 334 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception while completing 27 of 41 passes. He still has the ability to read defenses and operate effectively from a clean pocket.

The 2025 QB Carousel: Where Does Garoppolo Fit?

In a recent CBS Sports article predicting the 2025 quarterback market, Cody Benjamin projected Garoppolo to Minnesota, suggesting he could serve as an affordable bridge until McCarthy is ready. The same piece predicted Darnold returning to the Jets, Daniel Jones heading to the Rams, and Kirk Cousins reuniting with Kevin Stefanski in Cleveland.

While Garoppolo may not be the long-term answer, he could be exactly what the Vikings need in 2025—a veteran with starting experience, familiarity with the offensive system, and the ability to step in if needed. If the Vikings are looking for a stable presence behind McCarthy, they may not need to look any further than Jimmy G.