Report: Cardinals interested in signing Rams backup QB in free agency

The Los Angeles Rams have signed Jimmy Garoppolo to one-year deals in each of the past two offseasons, and it’s possible they’ll want to keep him around as their QB2 for another season. Mike LaFleur might have something to say about that, though.

The new Arizona Cardinals coach could poach Garoppolo in free agency. According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Cardinals “have interest” in signing him, as LaFleur is “considered very close with Garoppolo.”

Fowler: 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.

The Rams signed Garoppolo to a one-year deal worth up to $13.5 million last offseason, though it only included $4.5 million guaranteed and was incentive-heavy, with $9 million available to earn through bonuses.

He only played 18 snaps last season, though he didn’t attempt a single pass. He primarily came in for kneel-downs and handoffs at the end of games, rushing nine times for minus-10 yards.

The Rams think highly of Garoppolo and though they might want him back as Matthew Stafford’s backup, he’ll get a greater opportunity to play in Arizona.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Free agency: Cardinals interested in signing Rams QB Jimmy Garoppolo