GLENDALE – NFL insider Ian Rapoport reports some good news for Arizona Cardinals fans, as last year starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett returns for mandatory minicamp. The 33-year-old has been absent all offseason due to looking for a new deal after setting career marks in yards and touchdowns. Despite going 1-11 as a starter, the 10-year pro was still looking for a big payday for his efforts, which Arizona didn’t seem comfortable with doing.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!A deal still hasn’t been inked, but Brissett is “in the house” and moving in the right direction towards returning to the team full time.
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
Brissett back in house for Cardinals:
Back in March, the Cardinals told Brissett that he would be the starter. That type of comment rang inside the QB’s head, as someone who was only set to make $1.5 million in 2026. He understands the leverage the franchise just gave them and tried to take advantage. Arizona responded by signing Gardner Minshew and drafting Carson Beck in the third round, two viable options to be under center next season.
However, it is clear that the franchise wants Brissett back as the starter in Mike LaFleur’s offense. Famously, the organization hung a massive picture of Brissett inside the training facility the day Kyler Murray was released, a sign of its confidence.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) throws passes during organized team activities at the Cardinals Training Facility in Tempe on May 27, 2026. Syndication: Arizona Republic
The Cardinals have plenty of cap space to give a one-year payday for Brissett, but they remain hesitant. Again, the 1-11 record doesn’t help, and Arizona likely wants to see Beck as a starter before the end of the season to see what they have before the 2027 NFL draft. Next year’s quarterback class is a premier batch of players and paying Brissett could add another layer of complications for the franchise.
Should Cardinals take swing on QB Brendan Sorsby in 2027 NFL Draft following controversy?
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
