As we’ve discussed free agent quarterbacks and which teams could target which free agents, we’ve separated things a bit into tiers. Essentially, the thought has been that teams who can afford to go big for a free agent passer will be pursuing Packers quarterback Malik Willis, while those who aren’t looking to spend that much may be looking for a more affordable option like veterans Joe Flacco, Marcus Mariota, or Jimmy Garoppolo. 
Initially, we pegged Arizona as a team willing to spend and tied them to a likely run for Willis, while a team like the Dolphins, with limited cap space, would be pursuing a veteran like Garoppolo. According to Ben Volin of the Boston Globe, though, a closer look at the setup in Arizona reveals some connections between the Cardinals and Garoppolo, and he reports that they have their eyes on the 34-year-old as a possible free agent addition.
General manager Monti Ossenfort was director of college scouting in New England when the Patriots drafted Garoppolo out of Eastern Illinois in the second round 12 years ago. Additionally, new head coach Mike LaFleur coached Garoppolo over the past two years in his previous role as the offensive coordinator of the Rams. These connections clearly show familiarity with the veteran passer, giving the Cardinals an easy option outside of the expected top-tier targets on the market.
That’s not to say the Cardinals won’t still pursue Willis. Arizona could pursue and successfully sign Willis and still choose to bring Garoppolo in as a dependable backup. Having watched the veteran back up reigning MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford over the past couple of years, no one has a better idea of his abilities as a QB2 than LaFleur. It could also alter Arizona’s pursuit of Willis, though. Knowing Garoppolo is a connected option, the Cardinals may stop themselves from overspending on Willis if they know they can still fall back to Garoppolo and rely on him.
As the new league year fast approaches, we’ll certainly start to see free agent communications pick up soon. It will be interesting to see if the Cardinals go after Garoppolo because of his connections with team leadership, and if they do, it will be interesting to see how it affects their pursuit of Willis.
Followed by ‘AZ Cards season tickets are on sale for the upcoming season!!’.
A division that knows all about his weaknesses, perfect losing strategy.
lol why not
Prn Star Jimmy!!
Given the available options, I think they’re better off sticking with Kyler another season. For their sake, hope they’re in better position to draft a good QB prospect and letting Kyler go will be less painful with the salary cap.
Too fragile for the Cardinals offensive line.
Who are they gonna sign to play the rest of the season since Garoppolo inevitably suffers a season ending injury at some point? I’ve looked it up before, he’s started a full season once. 😁
They’ll probably draft someone. Honestly, this isn’t that bad an idea, despite the bellyaching above. Garappolo either won’t play well, netting a high pick, or he’ll at least provide veteran leadership with the ability to execute the offense enough so that LaFleur can begin to establish his system and regime.
Most of all, you’re not going to commit to Garappolo long term. He shouldn’t cost much for a starter and can be easily replaced if necessary. I think it works for a team that is nowhere near contention in a tough division while they reset. Does Willis net Arizona more wins at a higher price? Is it worth the longer deal and greater money? I don’t expect so, personally.
I’m overthinking it, they’ll still have Jacoby Brissett too. I think they’re gonna get priced out for Willis, and Garoppolo will be a good plan B. He’ll already know the offense, so he can help teach it. I hope for the new coach’s sake that the owner is patient, this season might be rough.
If you’re eyeing Jimmy Garoppolo you should ask your optometrist how to obtain a white cane and service dog 🙂
perhaps because both have the Packers involved, but Malik Willis has Matt Flynn hype written all over it.
LOL. Matt Flynn was the 209th pick in the 2008 draft so it must have been his mother doing the hyping… because no one else seemed to pay attention 🙂
Cel, he got that contract from i think Seahawks after that week 17 400 yd game though.
Why