Under the radar Cardinals signing may have sealed Jimmy Garoppolo's fate

The Los Angeles Rams had to anticipate the departure of veteran backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo for a chance to start with the Arizona Cardinals. It was all the rage among NFL rumors that started as a whisper, but grew in volume. It became so loud that Rams legend quarterback Jim Everett even proposed LA's adding the released Kyler Murray as his replacement.

Of course, all of these rumors and speculations hinged on the Cardinals signing Jimmy G as their new quarterback. Well, as is often the case, the Cardinals pivoted to sign veteran quarterback Gardner Minshew as their backup, with plans to start quarterback Jacoby Brissett in 2026.

Without a familiar coach luring Garoppolo to the Promised Land, general manager Les Snead finds himself without worthy competition for the veteran quarterback's services. And without a competing bid, and with the comments from both Snead and head coach Sean McVay wanting to re-sign Garoppolo, the next free agent signing by Los Angeles is almost too obvious, isn't it?

Rams will almost certainly ink Jimmy Garoppolo soon

The LA Rams love continuity on offense. Until the rumors of Cardinals' head coach Mike LaFleur's interest in Garoppolo surfaced, almost everyone expected Los Angeles to maintain the same status quo. After all, the team has trusted the QB trio of Matthew Stafford, Jimmy Garoppolo, and Stetson Bennett to handle the job since 2024.

It's particularly important for the coaching staff to be confident in Stafford's best man as he enters his 18th NFL season. While Stafford put up an MVP year, he almost didn't get started due to a back injury that kept him on the bench throughout training camp.

Jimmy Garoppolo took the starter's snaps in his place.

One of the benefits of bringing back Jimmy G for another season is the consistency, certainty, and familiarity of players with the veteran. He knows the team, coaches, and players, and that is a tremendous advantage as OTAs and training camp practices commence. Garoppolo serves as an extension of the coaching staff in those situations.

Jimmy G. is a free agent, but he may not be for long. LA wants him back. And with the Cardinals opting for Gardner Minshew, the coast is clear to an easy extension.

As always, thanks for listening.