GLENDALE – The decision to move on from Jacoby Brissett represents another significant chapter in the Arizona Cardinals organization’s ongoing search for stability at quarterback. After seeking a substantial pay increase during the offseason, Brissett eventually received a reworked contract worth $15.5 million guaranteed for 2026. Arizona believed the veteran could provide consistency while helping guide an offense looking to take another step forward. Instead, the partnership never developed into what either side envisioned, and Brissett ended up being traded to the Baltimore Ravens on Wednesday with the full details of the trade to be released this weekend, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
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
Trade: the Arizona Cardinals are finalizing a trade to send QB Jacoby Brissett to the Baltimore Ravens, per @RapSheet and me. Deal is expected to be completed this weekend.
The Ravens lost QB Lamar Jackson to a thumb injury, and his backup Tyler “Snoop” Huntley to turf toe. https://t.co/sGpFSxYc5u
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 4, 2026
Through eight games, Brissett completed 63.3% of his passes for 1,719 yards, 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions. The offense struggled to find consistency, and his performance against Dallas ultimately became the turning point. Trailing 17-3, Arizona replaced Brissett with Gardner Minshew. The result was an incredible comeback, highlighted by Minshew throwing three touchdown passes and delivering a 33-30 overtime victory.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) throws a pass against the Seattle Seahawks during a game at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. on Sept. 20, 2026. Credit: Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The performance changed the quarterback conversation overnight. Head coach Mike LaFleur subsequently named Minshew the starter and promoted rookie Carson Beck to backup, leaving Brissett as the emergency third quarterback. With Lamar Jackson undergoing thumb surgery and Tyler Huntley suffering a season-ending turf toe injury, the Ravens desperately needed experienced quarterback depth, and they pulled the trigger on a Brissett trade.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett speaks with the press during training camp at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on July 26, 2026. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Brissett’s familiarity with quarterbacks coach Israel Woolfork could make the transition easier. For Arizona, the Cardinals invested financially in Brissett, only to discover that their best path forward involved moving in another direction. That raises questions about the team’s offseason evaluation process and whether Minshew can provide the consistency necessary to keep Arizona competitive. Brissett’s departure also creates an opportunity for Beck’s development. Ultimately, Arizona needs more than a quarterback change. It needs an offensive identity that produces consistently, regardless of who takes the snaps. The Dallas comeback provided excitement; now the Cardinals must prove it wasn’t simply one afternoon of Minshew magic.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
