GLENDALE – A once small problem has emerged into a noteworthy one, as Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett skips OTAs. The 33-year-old is looking to reconstruct his deal, only projected to make $4.88 in 2026, with only $1.5 million guaranteed. Despite going 1-11, Brissett’s production when given the starting job was impressive.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Earlier in the offseason, ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss reported that the franchise haven’t crowned Brissett as the starter next season. However, in a report on Friday, Weinfuss stated that same source has heard that thing have change.
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
Weinfuss on Brissett being informed he is the starter in 2026:
“A source told ESPN that Brissett has been informed by the Cardinals that he is their starting quarterback. That was a shift from March, right after Kyler Murray was released, when Brissett had not been told he was the starter-in-waiting, according to a source.
“After the first day of Arizona’s rookie minicamp, LaFleur said the dialogue between the two sides continues. The process is “ongoing,” LaFleur said, as veterans prepare to return to Tempe next week to continue their offseason program.”
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
A reason for the change could be because Arizona wasn’t able to secure Ty Simpson in April’s NFL draft, electing to select Miami’s Carson Beck in round three. Simpson was a favorite among the organization, losing him meant the franchise needed to pivot. Brissett looks to be the backup choice, which seems fair given other contracts as his position.
The Cardinals signed QB Gardner Minshew this offseason to a $5.14 million guaranteed deal. Minshew off the street is currently set to make more money than Brissett, who had his best season of his career. With the team eyeing 2026 as a gap year, giving Brissett a well deserved raise seems like the natural conclusion before Arizona shifts its focus into the 2027 offseason.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
