The story was there's nothing here. There was, as usual. That dynamic is called a "conspiracy theory" if someone calls it out.
Garoppolo's deal is with PFT. It features a crucial last condition, Addendum G, that concerns Garoppolo's foot issue from the 2022 season, for which he had surgery after signing with the Raiders.
Waiver and release in Addendum G. “Because of a preexisting medal and middle cuneiform and a fracture of the base of the second metatarsal in the Player’s left foot
NFL Player Contract with Player,” the waiver states in the first paragraph. The 2022 regular season injury allowed Brock Purdy to play.
Garoppolo accepts and waives the danger of further damage, including "permanent disability," by continuing his career in the second paragraph. The waiver states
Garoppolo agrees in the fifth paragraph that any arguments over whether an injury involves the waiver's terms "shall be resolved in the discretion of Club's physician" while protecting the player's right to a second opinion.
The contract allows the team to terminate the agreement without penalty “for any reason related to the Waiver and Release attached as Addendum G.”
Garoppolo passes a physical exam, plays at least one regular-season game, and does not re-injure his left foot, the waiver is null and invalid.
Garoppolo's 2023 base salary and signing bonus were $11.25 million. The Raiders eliminated the signing bonus, making the $22.5 million base salary in 2023.
Without a physical, he won't get it. In the meanwhile, the Raiders can cut him "for any reason related" to Addendum G.