Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay has been open in his thoughts on quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo amid interest from a rival team putting them in an awkwar position ahead of free agency
Jimmy Garoppolo looks to have options heading into free agency
Jimmy Garoppolo looks to have options heading into free agency
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The Los Angeles Rams will look to keep Jimmy Garoppolo ahead of free agency, but may not stand in his way should he be given the opportunity to become a starting quarterback.
Head coach Sean McVay saw another of his offensive coordinators leave the team as the fifth to walk into a head coaching role after working under him over the past seven years. Mike LaFleur had been the Rams OC the past three seasons, but joined their NFC West rival Arizona Cardinals this past season and appears to have interest in Garoppolo.
The Cardinals have just cut ties with quarterback Kyler Murray, and will be looking for their new guy heading into the season - while perhaps drafting one at the position in the upcoming NFL Draft.
McVay has spoken on the Cardinals reported interested in Garoppolo, who will become a free agent on Monday..
The Rams head coach clearly wants to see Garoppolo return to the team, but appears to be leaving the door open to look elsewhere, perhaps letting him become a starter in Arizona if given the opportunity.
Mike LaFleur
Former Rams OC Mike LaFleur is now Cardinals head coach
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When asked if he wants Garoppolo to return, McVay said: "Absolutely. I love Jimmy. I would absolutely want him back. I did see those reports too on [Cardinals coach] Mike [LaFleur] trying to steal our guy, but no, Jimmy’s a really good player and so we would love him back.
“I’m sure he’ll have multiple opportunities and then we’ll see where we’re at. He’s been tremendous for the last couple of years. We’ve loved everything he’s about. You guys know how I feel about him when we’ve spoken about him and we would love him back.
"I’m also not naive to the fact that he’ll probably have a lot of opportunities and if those are things that he wants to pursue that give him a chance to play, I would understand that."
Sean McVay and Mike LaFleur
Sean McVay and Mike LaFleur had worked together for the past three years
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Of course, Garoppolo's chances to play will be extremely limited with the Rams, as the back-up to MVP Matthew Stafford.
However, he could be the starter for a year or two in Arizona, who will now be looking for their long-term quarterback after cutting Murray.
In a weakened NFL Draft class, Arizona may be waiting until 2027 to draft their quarterback of the future - with Garoppolo having the chance to start for the 2026 season.
The Cardinals will deploy a completely new style of offense under LaFleur, one that will take time to adapt to with Garoppolo being in the scheme since he joined the San Francisco 49ers back in 2017.
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