Jimmy Garoppolo: Potential Return as Arizona Cardinals’ Starting Quarterback in 2026

As the NFL offseason approaches, veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is emerging as a “strong option” for the Arizona Cardinals, according to ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler. This surprising development could mark a significant transition for both Garoppolo and the Cardinals.

A Familiar Face: Garoppolo and LaFleur

The Cardinals have expressed interest in reuniting Garoppolo with newly appointed head coach Mike LaFleur, who previously served as Garoppolo’s offensive coordinator during their time with the Los Angeles Rams. Their established rapport makes this pairing particularly promising.

“LaFleur can create a clean path to restart his quarterback room by adding at least one veteran and drafting a QB,” Fowler noted, hinting that this could reshape the Cardinals’ future under LaFleur’s guidance.

Kyler Murray’s Future Uncertain

Former first overall pick Kyler Murray is expected to be on the trading block ahead of the season. Although Jacoby Brissett has shown potential as Arizona’s starter, the likelihood of LaFleur opting for a familiar face like Garoppolo cannot be overlooked. The swift changes in the team’s roster may allow the new coach to make key decisions that prioritize familiarity and trust.

Garoppolo’s Experience and Performance

Garoppolo, a 34-year-old unrestricted free agent, has extensive experience as a starting quarterback, but he hasn’t held that role since 2022 with the San Francisco 49ers. During that season, he threw for 2,437 yards, achieving 16 touchdowns while maintaining a solid interception record of just four in 10 starts.

Key Highlights of Garoppolo’s Career:

• 12-Year NFL Experience: Establishing himself as one of the most reliable quarterbacks in the league.
• Last Starting Role: 2022 season with the 49ers, showcasing strong passing efficiency.

Garoppolo’s skill set and past performance make him an attractive choice for teams in need of a seasoned quarterback.

Future Prospects for Garoppolo

As the offseason unfolds, Garoppolo will likely attract interest from multiple teams. Besides the Cardinals, he could potentially return to the Rams as a backup for former MVP Matthew Stafford, or even become the No. 2 option in Green Bay if Malik Willis departs in free agency. Below are some potential landing spots for Garoppolo:

• Arizona Cardinals: Reuniting with LaFleur and a chance to reclaim a starting role.
• Los Angeles Rams: Enhancing the backup position behind Stafford.
• Green Bay Packers: Filling in as a reliable backup in a transitioning roster.

Conclusion

With Jimmy Garoppolo’s future hanging in the balance, all eyes will be on the offseason moves made by various NFL teams. The possibility of him joining the Arizona Cardinals creates excitement for fans and analysts alike. As Garoppolo continues to draw interest from around the league, it will be fascinating to see where his journey takes him in 2026 and beyond.

For more insights on NFL trades and player movements, explore sources such as NFL.com and ESPN.