GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals get a gut punch early in free agency, losing out on free agent quarterback Malik Willis to the Miami Dolphins. General manager Monti Ossenfort’s connection with Willis since their Tennessee Titans’ days was believed to give him a leg up against the competition during negotiations. However, that connection seemed overblown, and Arizona is now scrambling to find other options for next starting QB in free agency.
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Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort speaks to the press from the Arizona Cardinals training center in Tempe after the decision to fire head coach Jonathan Gannon on Jan. 5, 2026. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Who do Cardinals look at next?
- Aaron Rodgers – 42 years old (Market Value: $10.6M)
- Russell Wilson – 37 years old (Market Value: $5.7M)
- Marcus Mariota – 32 years old (Market Value: $4.8M)
- Jimmy Garoppolo – 34 years old (Market Value: $2.3M)
- Geno Smith – 35 years old
East Rutherford, NJ — September 29 — Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett and Aaron Rodgers of the Jets during pre game warm ups as the Denver Broncos and New York Jets meet at MetLife Stadium.
Spotrac.com provided the best remaining free agent quarterback and their market value for Arizona to pursue. Aaron Rodgers is cemented at the top of the list, even at 42 years old. He just finished year 21 by bringing his team to the playoffs, while throwing 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions. The Cardinals remain in the race for Rodgers because of his relationship to offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett.
Hackett is part of new head coach Mike LaFleur’s staff. Rodgers has had a close relationship with the 46-year-old since his Green Bay Packers days. They reunited in the Big Appel with the New York Jets and could meet again in the desert.
Dec 7, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (11) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Outside of Willis, Jimmy Garoppolo was connected the franchise heavily. LaFleur’s time with the Los Angeles Rams gave him a close insight to then backup QB Garoppolo. The two appeared to have a close relationship and could give the 34-year-old his first starting opportunity in years. His 43-21 career record gives the Cardinals something they haven’t had in recent years: Winning.
Geno Smith has connections to many teams in free agency, with Jets seemingly first. However, Arizona has interest in the two-time Pro Bowler, and with his reputation back in the mud, the franchise could try to revive Smith’s career after a disaster year in Las Vegas. If Smith is determined to get paid down the line, going to a team with weapons like Trey McBride, Michael Wilson and Marvin Harrison Jr. seems like a stellar option.
Names like Russell Wilson, Joe Flacco and Tyrod Taylor are all longshots and at this time aren’t better than Arizona’s current starter Jacoby Brissett. If Ossenfort strikes out in free agency, he could switch his approach and look towards the draft and snag a quarterback in the later rounds of a weak QB draft.
Cardinals lose out on Malik Willis in 2026 free agency, signs with Dolphins
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
