Help wanted.
The Arizona Cardinals have plenty of openings in the quarterback room. They opened up another spot on March 3, when it was revealed that the Cardinals intend to release Kyler Murray when the new league year begins on March 11, per multiple reports.
It’s the latest starting quarterback job to become available this offseason, when there will be no shortage of moving parts.
That’s despite a weaker-than-usual quarterback class in the 2026 NFL Draft, where most consider Fernando Mendoza to be standing alone at the top.
The Cardinals have a new head coach coming into the fold this year, hiring Mike LaFleur to steer the franchise in a new direction. That will now include a new quarterback as well, which will go a long way in determining just how extensive the makeover will be in the desert.
Here’s a look at some of the Cardinals quarterback options in 2026.
Cardinals QB options 2026
Malik Willis
It would appear that Willis is the leader in the clubhouse when it comes to quarterback options for the Cardinals. He flashed plenty of potential in limited action with the Green Bay Packers and that is always something teams will be willing to invest in.
Willis filled in nicely for Jordan Love when needed over the last two seasons, completing 78.7% of his passes while throwing six touchdowns and zero interceptions. He also displayed plenty of rushing upside, posting 261 rushing yards and three touchdowns as a runner.
With LaFleur set to take over as Arizona’s head coach, there is plenty to work with if Willis heads to the desert in free agency. The tools are there for a creative offensive mind and don’t discount the LaFleur connection from Green Bay to Arizona.
Jimmy Garoppolo
Speaking of LaFleur connections, Garoppolo is another one that makes plenty of sense. It has been a while since ‘Jimmy G’ was a starter in the NFL. You’d have to go back to 2022 for the last time Garoppolo started a majority of his team’s games. Since departing San Francisco, the quarterback landed with the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Rams.
LaFleur crossed paths with Garoppolo during his time with the 49ers and Rams, opening the door for this easy free agent connection to be made. It was also a connection that ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler made, reporting that the Cardinals have interest in the quarterback. Garoppolo makes for a strong option if the Cardinals want to go the veteran route without a major long-term investment.
Tua Tagovailoa
Murray’s release was considered inevitable. Tagovailoa’s appears to be the same. At just 28, the Miami Dolphins quarterback offers something that Willis and Garoppolo don’t – youth and a proven track record. He flashed during his time in South Beach before concussions and a declining roster caught up to him, but someone could be willing to find out what is left in the tank.
Perhaps a change of scenery is what the doctor ordered for Tagovailoa. Maybe it’s not. If he’s released, it wouldn’t cost a lot to find out.
Kirk Cousins
Cousins is set to be released on March 11, when he’ll become the latest veteran quarterback to hit the open market. The 37-year-old wouldn’t be a long-term solution, but he could easily slide into the starting job if no better opportunity presents itself.
In terms of connections, Cousins has some experience with the LaFleur family, as Matt was part of the Washington staff that drafted the quarterback out of Michigan State. Cousins would be walking into a difficult NFC West division, but starting jobs are limited and there is undoubtedly one available in Arizona.
NFL draft
If all else fails, the NFL draft is another place for the Cardinals to turn. Options aren’t plentiful this year, but there are prospects that Arizona can look to develop. Ty Simpson figures to be a player that could fall between the first and second rounds, while Drew Allar and Garrett Nussmeier could easily be worth a pick later on.
The Cardinals probably won’t want to throw these prospects into the fire in Week 1, but it would make sense to pair them with a veteran signal caller in free agency. In this case, Garoppolo and a draft pick make plenty of sense. Otherwise, it’s onto the 2027 NFL Draft to find a long-term solution.
