Jimmy Garoppolo is finally no longer a San Francisco 49er. Sources told ESPN he agreed to a three-year, $67.5 million deal including $34 million guaranteed with the Oakland Raiders.

For what it’s worth, Garoppolo, 31, played for Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels in New England. I’m sure their familiarity had something to do with the signing.

The Raiders released longtime starter Derek Carr last month, who has since moved on to the New Orleans Saints. Garoppolo will battle it out with another former Patriots backup, Jarrett Stidham, for the starting job.

During his 49ers tenure, Garoppolo led the team to a few deep playoff runs. One that included reaching Super Bowl LIV. But a couple years with the team were marred by injuries. In 2020, he played just six games due to an ankle injury.

He was placed on injured reserve after week 13 last season due to a foot injury. Seventh round pick Brock Purdy would finish the season as the starter and lead the Niners to the NFC Championship game.

Purdy will now battle it out with former third overall pick Trey Lance for the starting gig. Lance missed all of last season with an injury.

Upgrade over Carr?

The big question is Jimmy Garoppolo an upgrade over Carr? I’m not sure. Jimmy G led his team to greater things then Carr no doubt. But Garoppolo had the better defense and supporting crew around him.

Talent wise I think the two quarterbacks are pretty similar. They’re solid starting NFL quarterbacks. Might put the team on their back once or twice a season and win a game. But both need a strong team around them to be successful.

The Raiders main problem in recent years wasn’t necessarily Carr. It’s the fact that they have been beyond horrific in the draft. From 2019 to 2021 they had six first round picks. Three of them were cut and the other three had their fifth-year options declined.

That’s beyond Matt Millen bad.

But maybe Garoppolo’s familiarity with McDaniels will make the difference between he and Carr’s time with Oakland. The Raiders have a check list of things needed to make the playoffs again. But if Jimmy G can provide an upgrade from his predecessor, then that’s one item checked off that list.