Garoppolo Eyed as Potential Cardinals QB After Murray Report

Former 49ers starter could reunite with coach LaFleur in Arizona

Mar. 4, 2026 at 4:34pm

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Speculation is swirling that the Arizona Cardinals could pursue veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo in free agency after reports surfaced that the team plans to release current starter Kyler Murray. New Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur has a close relationship with Garoppolo from their time together with the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams, leading many to believe Garoppolo could be an ideal fit to lead the Cardinals' offense.

Why it matters

The potential signing of Garoppolo would represent a significant shift in the Cardinals' quarterback plans after years of Kyler Murray under center. Garoppolo's experience and familiarity with LaFleur's offensive system could provide stability, though his injury history raises some concerns. The move would also impact the future of backup Jacoby Brissett, who may become expendable.

The details

Garoppolo, a 12-year NFL veteran, has completed 67.4% of his passes for 15,828 yards and 96 touchdowns in his career. He spent the 2022 and 2023 seasons as the backup QB for the Los Angeles Rams after previously starting for the San Francisco 49ers. Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort drafted Garoppolo for the New England Patriots in 2014, while new offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett has experience working with similar West Coast-style offenses.

  • The Cardinals are expected to release Kyler Murray in the coming weeks.
  • Garoppolo is set to become an unrestricted free agent in March 2026.

The players

Jimmy Garoppolo

A 12-year NFL veteran quarterback who has spent time with the New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, and Los Angeles Rams.

Mike LaFleur

The new head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, who previously worked with Garoppolo as an offensive coordinator.

Kyler Murray

The current starting quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals, who is expected to be released by the team.

Monti Ossenfort

The general manager of the Arizona Cardinals, who previously worked in the New England Patriots' front office when they drafted Garoppolo.

Nathaniel Hackett

The new offensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals, who has experience with similar West Coast-style offenses.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Jeremy Fowler

“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.”

— Brock Vierra

“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.”

— Ely Allen

What’s next

The Cardinals are expected to officially release Kyler Murray in the coming weeks, clearing the way for them to pursue Garoppolo in free agency.

The takeaway

The potential signing of Jimmy Garoppolo would represent a significant shift in the Cardinals' quarterback plans, as the team looks to move on from the Kyler Murray era and build around a more experienced signal-caller who is familiar with the coaching staff's offensive system. While Garoppolo's injury history raises some concerns, his rapport with head coach Mike LaFleur could make him an ideal fit to stabilize the Cardinals' offense in the short term.