The Arizona Cardinals are looking to end the Kyler Murray era in 2026, and they may be setting their sights on an old rival to do so.
On Saturday, the Boston Globe’s Ben Volin stated that the NFC’s worst team of the 2025 season was eyeing Jimmy Garoppolo, who is entering free agency after two years as Matthew Stafford’s backup on the Los Angeles Rams:
𝗥𝗨𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗦: The Cardinals “have their eye” on quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, according to @BenVolin
A second overall pick for the New England Patriots out of FCS Eastern Illinois in 2014, Garoppolo made just two starts in Foxboro before being traded to the San Francisco 49ers during the 2017 season. He won all his first five starts there and immediately became their franchise quarterback, helping them reach the Super Bowl in 2019.
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In 2023, he joined the Las Vegas Raiders but was benched after seven games for leading the league in interceptions. He was subsequently released and has since played just two games as a Ram, including one start.
Over his 12-year career, Garoppolo has accumulated a personal valuation of $55 million.
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Of course, every major quarterback signing comes with a corresponding remake of the offensive line to ensure the best passing protection for him. The Cardinals were among the worst when it came to the health and strength of the offensive line.
Right tackle Jonah Williams struggled with injuries that adversely affected his pass-block win rate, and so did Paris Johnson Jr. and left guards Evan Brown and Jon Gaines II. The only linemen to start all 17 games were center Hjalte Froholdt and right guard Isaiah Adams.
With that in mind, ESPN’s Aaron Schatz proposes that the franchise sign Braden Smith, who is nearing the conclusion of a four-year contract with the Indianapolis Colts:
“Smith has been steady for the Colts, ranking 34th out of 68 qualifying players in pass block win rate last season (90.6%).”
The new league year begins on March 11.