GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals face a new dilemma ahead of next week’s NFL draft. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, last year’s starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett is skipping phase one of the franchise’s offseason program in pursuit of a new deal. Brissett signed a two-year, 12.5 million deal in the 2025 offseason and out performed the contract by starting 11 games and throwing over 3,000 yards and 23 touchdowns.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Despite the stats, the 33-year-old is only due $1.5 million in guaranteed money in 2026, leading to his desire to getting a new deal done.
Jan 4, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) throws downfield against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Brissett wants new deal ahead of 2026 season:
The impressive counting stats aside, Brissett did go 1-11 as a starter last year and will cause some hesitation from Arizona. It is unclear whether the franchise is looking to compete in 2026, comparing what they say to their actions. During the post-season press conference, owner Michael Bidwill stated that he wanted the team to compete next season.
However, general manager Monti Ossenfort has responded with a bunch of middling free agents on short-term deals, clearly planning on using big money next offseason. With that plan in mind, rewarding Brissett for his stellar production last year could easily be in the cards.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) prepares to play the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium on Dec 7, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Cardinals are reportedly the favorites to draft Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson in next week’s draft. Could drafting Simpson make Arizona pass on giving Brissett his guaranteed money? Possibly. Ossenfort wasn’t willingly to name Brissett as the starter for next season, making the rumor mill tuned up to the max of what the team plans to do during the NFL draft and a possible new deal for last year’s starter.
Did Cardinals drop hints of taking Jeremiyah Love third overall in 2026 NFL Draft?
Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
