Latest free agency intel links Packers to unexpected quarterback possibility amid shifting market
Jimmy Garoppolo has played in a similar offensive system for years.
The Green Bay Packers widely expect to lose Malik Willis in free agency, and general manager Brian Gutekunst isn’t set at backup quarterback. In his latest intel piece for ESPN, NFL insider Jeremy Fowler reported a somewhat surprising possibility.
The Packers could be a landing spot for Jimmy Garoppolo, who spent the past few seasons with Sean McVay on the Los Angeles Rams, backing up Matthew Stafford.
“Free agent Jimmy Garoppolo heading to Arizona is a strong option, too. The Cardinals have interest, and Mike LaFleur is considered very close with Garoppolo. “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.” — Jeremy Fowler
Competition for Garoppolo
On the Arizona Cardinals, Jimmy Garoppolo would presumably compete for the starting job. That’s why this is the most appealing position for him. If the Cardinals go in another direction, though, Garoppolo would have to set for a backup job.
Staying on the Rams is viable, but the Packers could be another option with a similar scheme. Garoppolo spent six seasons on the San Francisco 49ers with the same offensive principles under Kyle Shanahan.
After a season with the Las Vegas Raiders, Garoppolo went to the Rams. He spent two years there behind Stafford.
Packers QB situation
The Packers have Jordan Love as the long-term starter, but the situation isn’t as clear behind him. Right now, Desmond Ridder and Kyle McCord are signed for the offseason roster. Brian Gutekunst has done some work on late-round/undrafted-type prospects, but they wouldn’t necessarily solve the void left by Malik Willis’ departure — he’s expected to get something around $20 million to $25 million to compete for a starting job elsewhere.
Garoppolo is 34 and has appeared in four games over the past two years for the Rams — but he only threw passes in one start in 2024.
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