Reunion in the desert? Cardinals eye Jimmy Garoppolo
Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo previously worked with Arizona Cardinals’ new head coach Mike LaFleur during their time with the Rams.
The Arizona Cardinals are reportedly interested in signing free-agent quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, a move that could reunite him with newly appointed head coach Mike LaFleur.
Garoppolo and LaFleur crossed paths with the Los Angeles Rams, where LaFleur served as offensive coordinator over the past two seasons. That prior working relationship could play a role in Arizona’s interest as the team evaluates their quarterback options.
Jimmy Garoppolo to the #AZCardinals is a "strong option", per @JFowlerESPN
— SleeperCardinals (@SleeperAZCards) March 1, 2026
"The Cardinals have interest, and Mike LaFleur is considered very close with Garoppolo" pic.twitter.com/G4qdYL1NXL
Garoppolo made just one start for the Rams, appearing in the final game of the 2024 regular season. In that outing, he completed 27 of 41 passes for 334 yards, throwing two touchdowns and one interception.
Before his stint in Los Angeles, Garoppolo signed a three-year, $67.5 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023. However, after starting only six games, he was benched and later released.
His most successful stretch came with the San Francisco 49ers, where he started 55 games between 2017 and 2022. During that span, he compiled a 38–17 record as a starter, led the team to two NFC Championship appearances and guided them to Super Bowl LIV, where they fell to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Jimmy Garoppolo has 'strong' chance to be starting QB in NFL again with one particular team https://t.co/1U4oNAa4D8 pic.twitter.com/z1caSEAmWb
— New York Post (@nypost) March 1, 2026
The quarterback situation in Arizona
The Cardinals have now officially released starting quarterback Kyler Murray, despite his contract previously running through the 2028 season. With Murray’s departure now confirmed, the Cardinals are moving forward with a clean slate at the position.
Veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett remains under contract for the 2026 season after signing a one-year, $4.8 million deal. Brissett started 12 games last season while Murray was sidelined, throwing for 3,336 yards with 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Although his individual performance showed flashes of competence, Arizona struggled in those matchups, finishing 1–11.
With a new coaching staff in place, the Cardinals appear to be exploring experienced options under center. Garoppolo’s familiarity with LaFleur’s system could make him an appealing short-term solution as Arizona reshapes its offense heading into the upcoming season.
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