It was yet another season to forget for the Arizona Cardinals. After going just 3-14 and missing the playoffs for the fourth straight year, the team has already informed quarterback Kyler Murray that he will be released once the new league year begins on March 11.
While he started just five games in 2025, it's a disappointing end to his time with Arizona as a former No. 1 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Under new head coach Mike LaFleur, the Cardinals face questions at quarterback.
Jacoby Brissett, who took a majority of the snaps under center last year, is under contract for one more season. However, he led the team to a lowly 1-11 record in 12 starts.
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While the quarterback market is thin in the upcoming free agency, the Cardinals are still expected to explore outside options. CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones reports that Jimmy Garoppolo has emerged as an option.
"The Cardinals could be willing to part with Jacoby Brissett if the team can get a decent Day 3 pick in return," Jones wrote. "Arizona, with new head coach Mike LaFleur, could be in the market for Malik Willis, but league sources are pointing to Jimmy Garoppolo as well. If that's the case, Arizona will need a quality backup considering Garoppolo's injury history."
Garoppolo has made just one start over his past two years with the Los Angeles Rams. His most meaningful years came with the San Francisco 49ers from 2017 to 2022, making 55 starts and going 38-17.
With 12 years of experience at the NFL level, he's a two-time Super Bowl champion, with both wins coming as a backup on the New England Patriots. However, he was the 49ers' starter for their Super Bowl LIV loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
While he has consistently shifted between a backup and starting quarterback, the former Eastern Illinois Panther has still thrown for 15,828 yards, 96 touchdowns, 52 interceptions and a 97.6 passer rating since joining the NFL.
While Garoppolo wouldn't be the most exciting addition for the Cardinals, he would be cheap. Spotrac projects the 34-year-old to sign a one-year, $2.3 million deal.