Over the last two years, the only way the San Francisco 49ers could've faced their longtime starting quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo, would've been if Los Angeles Rams starting hurler Matthew Stafford suffered some sort of injury.
But Stafford stayed healthy, meaning Jimmy G was relegated to QB2 backup duties in the four matchups the two NFC West rivals had over that timeframe.
Ultimately, L.A. closed the door on any would-be Garoppolo reunion this offseason by using the No. 13 overall pick in last April's draft on Stafford's presumed heir, Alabama's Ty Simpson, and there were parallel reports suggesting Jimmy G was leaning toward retirement.
However, buzz from another NFC West rival might convince Garoppolo to change his mind.
Latest Cardinals buzz could open door to Jimmy Garoppolo's return to NFC West
It's certainly a far cry from Los Angeles' stance as a top Super Bowl contender all the way down the division to the lowly Arizona Cardinals, who are ushering in yet another rebuild under first-year head coach Mike LaFleur.
Part of that rebuild is trying to bridge the gap between journeyman quarterback Jacoby Brissett and a third-round rookie, Carson Beck, yet that just got complicated by news from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, indicating Brissett is staying away from offseason workouts in search of a pay increase:
#AZCardinals QB Jacoby Brissett is not present as his team begins its first practice of voluntary OTAs.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 18, 2026
The starting QB has been staying away as he seeks a raise for 2026. pic.twitter.com/lGDGRQbG43
What this exactly means isn't quite clear. Brissett might simply want more money, cashing in on his QB1 status while he can. Or he could be using it as a means to exit Arizona in favor of greener pastures.
It could also mean the Cardinals ultimately decide to move him, too.
If that's the case, leaving Beck and fellow veteran Gardner Minshew on the roster, courting Garoppolo as an option wouldn't be out of the question. Earlier this offseason, there was modest buzz about Jimmy G heading out to Arizona, largely tied to LaFleur, who spent time with Garoppolo when both were with San Francisco from 2017 through 2020; the latter working in various offensive coaching roles.
So, if Brissett suddenly isn't an option, perhaps LaFleur and the Cardinals can convince Garoppolo to stay away from filing retirement papers.
And that could mean 49ers fans wishing to see Jimmy G back against his former squad may finally get their wish.
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