WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. – Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo wanted to return to the Rams because of their people and culture. He said the team exceeded his expectations during the 2024 season and is happy to be back on a one-year deal.
Garoppolo said he briefly explored the free agent market to inquire about starting opportunities, and there were a couple possibilities for him to compete. Ultimately, he thought L.A. was the best place for him to be because it's more about the situation than the opportunity for him, and "the people go a long way," he said.
"I knew where I wanted to be," Garoppolo said. "The Rams came with a strong offer, I love the people here, love the teammates, so really, I'm at the point in my career where those are the little things that make a difference to me."
Rams head coach Sean McVay was adamant about getting Garoppolo back with the team after serving as the backup to Matthew Stafford last season. Both quarterbacks are now under contract for 2025.
Garoppolo loves McVay's high energy, and that positivity "trickles down" to the rest of the team. He said McVay is "a good recruiter" and "a smooth talker," so Garoppolo didn't have to say much during his recruitment calls – McVay had a point to make and Garoppolo likes that about him.
"Sean (McVay) does it top notch here," Garoppolo said. "Him and all the coaches, they're so well tied together. They're all thinking the same way. And I think when you have an organization that does that, it makes everything easier. I mean, it's hard enough to win in this league, so to not have to worry about something like that goes a long way."
Garoppolo played in one game last season, when L.A. rested their starters Week 18 ahead of the playoffs, completing 27 of 41 passes for 334 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.
Having been a starter and a backup throughout his career, Garoppolo's perspective has shifted over time. Now, in his 12th NFL season, he enjoys the little things like relationships. The Rams provide an opportunity to do just that behind Stafford.
"I've been in a bad organization and I've seen how it could wear on you throughout the year," Garoppolo said. "And just talking to my brothers, my family, I didn't want to go through that again. So the organization plays such a key role for me, the people, how things are run, Sean (McVay) and (general manager) Les (Snead) at the top really set the tone for the whole building, and they just think very similarly to me, so that was a big part of my decision."
He "had a feeling" that Stafford's contract situation would work out, and said there are "not many guys like him in the league." He's excited to reunite with the fellow veteran quarterback, along with another former teammate in wide receiver Davante Adams.
