Jimmy Garoppolo is helping make the Rams’ defense better in practice

11-year NFL veteran Jimmy Garoppolo has had a memorable career, enjoying success with both New England and San Francisco in vastly different roles. Finding ways to contribute on the field and inside the facility, Garoppolo won two Super Bowls as a backup before winning an NFC Championship with the 49ers as their starter.

While it appears Garoppolo’s days as a starter are behind him, his days as a contributor continue — but in a role you might not expect. The scout team is filled with players who may not see the field on Sundays, but have the talent to do so if they are ever called up. Even if they don’t get the love they deserve, their work plays a massive role in a championship effort.

Sean McVay was asked how Garoppolo helps defenses improve as a scout team quarterback.

“I think it’s just the ability for him to be able to activate parts of the field and make quick decisions,” he said. “He’s got such a command, too. Sometimes you get some of these younger quarterbacks and they’re not quite as comfortable taking command of the huddle. Even just hearing how he communicates with the guys around him, you can’t help but get better because our defense looks very reflective of a high-level quarterback playing with the things he can.. He’s definitely made them better that way , he handles himself on the field, they looks, he’s able to present them, in terms of just mimicking and mimicking the opposing team’s quarterback, and then I think he’s also made the players that he’s around better (by) the way he communicates to them on. I don’t think it’s a mistake that when you talk to his teammates at other stops he’s been at, he’s highly regarded and they want to play hard for him.”

After being released by the Raiders after the 2023 season, Garoppolo signed a one-year deal with the Rams last season. For a defense loaded with young players, Garoppolo’s ability to teach and improve the players around him could keep him on the Rams for the future.