Cardinals Eyeing Veteran QB Garoppolo as Potential Murray Replacement

Former 49ers starter could reunite with coach LaFleur in Arizona if Kyler Murray departs

Mar. 2, 2026 at 2:07pm by Ben Kaplan

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The Arizona Cardinals have been linked to several quarterback options as potential replacements for Kyler Murray, and one of the latest names mentioned is veteran signal-caller Jimmy Garoppolo. Garoppolo, who has served as Matthew Stafford's backup with the Los Angeles Rams the past two seasons, is considered a "strong option" to join the Cardinals, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Garoppolo's close relationship with new Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur, who was the passing game coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers during Garoppolo's tenure there, could make him an appealing choice to potentially take over as Arizona's starting QB.

Why it matters

The Cardinals are facing an uncertain future at quarterback, with Kyler Murray's status in Arizona unclear. Bringing in an experienced veteran like Garoppolo could provide stability and leadership as the team transitions, especially given his familiarity with LaFleur's offensive system from their time together in San Francisco.

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 six seasons as the starting QB for the 49ers from 2017-2022, throwing for 13,599 yards and 82 touchdowns. The 31-year-old has served as Matthew Stafford's backup with the Rams the past two years. His strong relationship with new Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur, who was the 49ers' passing game coordinator during Garoppolo's tenure, could make him an attractive option to potentially replace Kyler Murray in Arizona.

  • Garoppolo has been the backup QB with the Rams, new Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur's former team, the past two seasons.
  • LaFleur was the 49ers' passing game coordinator from 2017-2020, overlapping with Garoppolo's time as the team's starting quarterback.

The players

Jimmy Garoppolo

A 12-year NFL veteran quarterback who has spent the past two seasons as Matthew Stafford's backup with the Los Angeles Rams.

Mike LaFleur

The new head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, who previously served as the passing game coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers when Jimmy Garoppolo was their starting quarterback.

Kyler Murray

The current starting quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals, whose future with the team is uncertain.

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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, ESPN NFL Insider

What’s next

The Cardinals will need to determine Kyler Murray's status with the team before deciding on their quarterback plans for the 2026 season. If Murray departs, Garoppolo could emerge as a leading candidate to take over as the team's starting QB, especially given his familiarity with new head coach Mike LaFleur's offensive system.

The takeaway

The Cardinals' quarterback situation is in flux, but the potential addition of veteran Jimmy Garoppolo could provide stability and leadership as the team transitions. Garoppolo's close relationship with new head coach Mike LaFleur makes him an intriguing option to potentially replace Kyler Murray if the young QB departs Arizona.