A fresh twist in the NFL's offseason quarterback carousel could see former 49ers signal-caller, Jimmy Garoppolo, landing with the Arizona Cardinals, according to a new report.
With Kyler Murray's days in the desert appearing numbered, Arizona might be ready to pivot to a familiar veteran presence under center, or at least add to the quarterback room. Jeremy Fowler of ESPN recently mentioned the Cardinals and Garoppolo as a perfect short-term match.
"That's his guy," a league source said. LaFleur can create a clean path to restart his quarterback room by adding at least one veteran and drafting a QB. That makes Murray and Brissett expendable, and the feeling in Indy is that Murray wants out of Arizona.
Something to keep in mind with Garoppolo: He has one of the league's best QB2 jobs with the Rams, who would welcome him back. Joining Green Bay as a No. 2 is also an option.
Mike LaFleur recently accepted the head coaching job in Arizona, and knowing his relationship with Garoppolo, the Cardinals may have a bridge solution at the quarterback position if they opt to move on from Kyler Murray. Murray, who has at times tortured the 49ers, but hasn't been able to put it all together on a consistent basis since joining the league.
At times, he's been distracted from off-field activities, such as spending more time playing video games than studying his playbook. There is significant talent with Murray, but it's fair to question his overall commitment to working hard and achieving greatness.
Brissett is under contract next season at just $4.8 million. He completed 64.9% of his passes last season, totaling 3,366 yards and 23 touchdowns to eight interceptions despite going 1-11. He seems like a more stable option than Garoppolo, who Spotrac expects will earn $2.3 million annually on his next deal.
Depending on what the Cardinals elect to do in the draft with the No. 3 overall pick, there could be a spot for Jimmy to compete, and LaFleur might prefer to start his tenure with two veteran quarterbacks on inexpensive deals at his disposal, in turn, allocating money elsewhere on their roster and looking to draft a rookie quarterback next year.
Also, it's noteworthy to mention that Malik Willis is expected to draw a lot of attention after his work in Green Bay when called upon last season. If the Cardinals have interest, head coach Mike LaFleur will have inside knowledge of Willis with his brother Matt having coached him in Green Bay.
Garoppolo didn't attempt a pass last season for the Rams. Over the past two years in Los Angeles, backing up Matthew Stafford, Garoppolo has made one start, throwing for 334 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in a loss.
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