We don't need to rehash it all, but the Green Bay Packers were practically forced to let quarterback Malik Willis walk this offseason. Yet, the doubts about his success being a product of head coach Matt LaFleur linger, a theory that pivoting to Jimmy Garoppolo could quickly debunk.
The Packers are stuck between a rock and a hard place trying to replace what they lost in Willis. He effectively priced himself out of their range and into a starting job — albeit an uninspiring one — with the Miami Dolphins. His presence allowed them not just to keep the ship afloat but to remain competitive whenever starter Jordan Love wasn't available; could Garoppolo do that?
Garoppolo has been mentioned as a potential replacement for Willis in Green Bay. However, based on what we've seen from the former in recent years, it feels safe to say it would be a marked downgrade for the Packers.
Replacing Malik Willis with Jimmy Garoppolo in free agency would be a nightmare scenario for the Green Bay Packers
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler has previously floated the idea of Garoppolo "joining Green Bay as a No. 2 [option]." Connecting the dots is rather easy; the two-time Super Bowl champion has deep ties to the renowned LaFleur-Sean McVay coaching tree.
Having said that, moving on from Willis was never going to be easy. The Packers' choices are dwindling, too, especially after the Kansas City Chiefs traded for Justin Fields. Either way, Garoppolo may prove to be more trouble than he's worth if Green Bay winds up with him.
It's been roughly 14 months (and counting) since Garoppolo last threw a regular-season pass, and he didn't look great doing it then. His diminished arm talent became apparent during a failed stint with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023. The veteran signal-caller hasn't fared much better in limited second-string opportunities with the Los Angeles Rams since.
During his lone campaign with the Raiders, Garoppolo had the fifth-highest checkdown rate among 57 players with at least 50 dropbacks (16 percent). He was 44th in passer rating (77.7) and tossed more interceptions (nine) than touchdowns (seven). Fortunately, the Rams didn't need him to handle much outside of mop-up duty and kneel-downs, though that can change in a situation like Green Bay.
As great as Love is, staying healthy has been an issue for him throughout his career. He's been in and out of the lineup, which is how Willis landed a chance with the Dolphins. So, it wouldn't be shocking to see Garoppolo thrust into action at least once if he landed in Green Bay (sadly).
Not to mention, Garoppolo, who turns 35 in November, has injury concerns of his own that won't improve with age. Moreover, and perhaps more notably, he's immobile in the pocket, which is a stark contrast from the dual-threat skill set Willis presented.
Note: Stats courtesy of Fantasy Points' data suite ($).