The 2025 NFL season was disastrous for the Arizona Cardinals. With free agency just over a month away, speculation is already swirling that veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo could follow Mike LaFleur to Phoenix.
While the Cardinals weren’t expected to contend for a Super Bowl, fans certainly didn’t anticipate a 3-14 finish. After such poor results, the front office appears ready to move on from Kyler Murray.
The seventh-year quarterback was sidelined in Week 5 with a foot injury and missed the remainder of the season. Although Murray remains under contract, Arizona is reportedly actively seeking a trade partner.
If Murray is dealt, LaFleur would need to rebuild at quarterback. Some analysts believe Garoppolo could reunite with his former offensive coordinator from the past two seasons.
Garoppolo as a strong option for Arizona
ESPN analyst Ben Solak noted that while LaFleur is expected to maintain Sean McVay’s offensive system, Garoppolo could be a realistic fit.
“I would not be surprised to see Rams free agent Jimmy Garoppolo also make his way to Arizona as a potential spot starter,” Solak speculated.
A reunion with LaFleur could give Garoppolo an inside track to the starting job. However, Jacoby Brissett remains under contract for another year, providing LaFleur with an alternative.
Either Garoppolo or Brissett could serve as a bridge until the Cardinals secure a younger quarterback. Solak mentioned Michael Wilson and Trey McBride as potential building blocks, while Ty Simpson could be a target in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Arizona’s quarterback future hinges on Murray
Ultimately, the Cardinals’ plans depend on Murray’s contract situation. Here’s what Murray’s 2026 deal would cost Arizona, according to Spotrac:
- Base salary: $22.8 million
- Signing bonus: $3.5 million
- Roster bonus: $17 million
- Cap hit: $52.6 million
- Dead cap: $54.7 million
ESPN insider Adam Schefter reported that Arizona is actively shopping Murray. A successful trade could save the team around $35 million. If not, the Cardinals would be saddled with the second-highest dead cap hit in NFL history.
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