Jimmy Garoppolo Cardinals speculation swirls after Kyler Murray report
· Yahoo Sports
Could Jimmy Garoppolo be the Arizona Cardinals' starting QB in 2026?
Speculation has been swirling in recent days that Arizona could pursue the QB, who most recently was the backup QB for the Los Angeles Rams, in NFL free agency.
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That speculation started to run even more rampant after reports surfaced that Arizona was going to release QB Kyler Murray.
New Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur worked with Garoppolo with the Rams and with the San Francisco 49ers.
In 12 seasons in the NFL, Garoppolo has completed 67.4% of his passes for 15,828 yards and 96 touchdowns, with 52 passes intercepted.
ESPN: Jimmy Garoppolo 'strong option' for Cardinals at quarterback
Jeremy Fowler writes: "Free agent Jimmy Garoppolo heading to Arizona is a strong option, too. The Cardinals have interest, and Mike LaFleur is considered very close with Garoppolo. 'That's his guy,' a league source said. LaFleur can create a clean path to restart his quarterback room by adding at least one veteran and drafting a QB. That makes Murray and Brissett expendable, and the feeling in Indy is that Murray wants out of Arizona. Something to keep in mind with Garoppolo: He has one of the league's best QB2 jobs with the Rams, who would welcome him back. Joining Green Bay as a No. 2 is also an option."
Sports Illustrated: Jimmy Garoppolo 'perfect quarterback' for Cardinals
Brock Vierra writes: "LaFleur has a uniqueness to his offense as he's one of the few coaches who have worked for both Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay in an offensive role. The blending of Shanahan's run attack, paring it with McVay's mirroring blocking concepts, gives LaFleur an extended study into how to properly set up and execute play-action attacks. Garoppolo has many years of experience in that system and has experience using the New England Patriots' offensive elements from Josh McDaniels that former Rams tight ends coach Nick Caley incorporated into the Rams' offense in 2023 and 2024. He knows the system inside and out, as made evident by Garoppolo going off in the 2024 regular season finale against the Seattle Seahawks, ignoring rust to launch over 300 yards passing. Plus, Garoppolo is the king of throwing to tight ends and the Cardinals have the best one in the league in Trey McBride."
Pro Football Rumors: Jimmy Garoppolo connections to Cardinals too strong to ignore
Ely Allen writes: "General manager Monti Ossenfort was director of college scouting in New England when the Patriots drafted Garoppolo out of Eastern Illinois in the second round 12 years ago. Additionally, new head coach Mike LaFleur coached Garoppolo over the past two years in his previous role as the offensive coordinator of the Rams. These connections clearly show familiarity with the veteran passer, giving the Cardinals an easy option outside of the expected top-tier targets on the market."
The Big Lead: Jimmy Garoppolo to Arizona Cardinals 'makes sense'
Derek Antoine writes: "Now, is this risky? Absolutely. Garoppolo’s availability history isn’t exactly a woobie, and nobody’s confusing him with a human highlight reel. But Arizona doesn’t need fireworks right now; they need function. And if the new regime wants an offense that leans on rhythm, cadence, and consistency, Garoppolo can operate that menu. The real question is this: Does Arizona want a bridge or a statement? Because signing Garoppolo isn’t the latter. It’s choosing reliability over volatility, and that’s an intentional shift. If this happens, it won’t be the biggest QB signing of the spring. But it might be the one that makes the most teams say, 'That actually makes sense.'"
Yardbarker: Jimmy Garoppolo would allow Cardinals to win now
It writes: "Since becoming the Cardinals' head coach, every move LaFleur has made indicates he doesn't want a long rebuild or one at all. While it remains unclear the exact power structure in Arizona, there's no doubt in my mind that it's the LaFleur show moving forward after general manager Monti Ossenfort has failed to impress during his first three years. LaFleur hired Nathaniel Hackett to be his offensive coordinator, with Hackett set to build LaFleur's gameplan as he did for his brother Matt when Matt turned the Packers around, making it to the NFC Championship Game in his first season with Green Bay. LaFleur also retained Cardinals' defensive coordinator Nick Rallis, keeping the Jonathan Gannon defensive system in place, thus a defensive overhaul will not be needed. Garoppolo, who clearly is loved by LaFleur, would be the constant piece that guides the Cardinals' offensive playmakers downfield with quick passes and a commitment to the rushing attack."
Reach Jeremy Cluff at [email protected]. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Jimmy Garoppolo Arizona Cardinals QB NFL free agency rumors swirl