As rumors surround the Arizona Cardinals heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, the team is also dealing with contract situations, most recently with quarterback Jacoby Brissett. While the Cardinals’ quarterback plans are not set in stone, Brissett is holding out for an extension that makes him the money a starter would get.
According to Ian Rapoport of The NFL Network, Brissett “is not attending” the first part of Arizona’s offseason program, wanting a contract extension that gives him starter money.
“Sources: #AZCardinals QB Jacoby Brissett is not attending Phase 1 of the offseason program and is asking for an extension that pays him as the starter. Brissett, set to make $9.06M in ‘26, has only $1.5M in guaranteed money and wants security. AZ appears willing to address it,” Rapoport wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
It does appear to be unclear if Brissett is the bona fide starter, with Gardner Minshew also on the team, as Monti Ossenfort spoke about it, according to Tyler Drake of Arizona Sports.
“They both have played a lot of ball. As we sit here today, we’re trying to install a system,” Ossenfort said Thursday. “We’re not really naming anybody. We’ll see how that room looks by the time we get to August.”
Last season, Brissett threw for 3,366 yards to go along with 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
NFL insider doesn’t buy Cardinals’ QB competition
However, some don’t buy the potential open competition of the Cardinals’ quarterback job, as NFL insider Tom Pelissero would say that “it’s pretty clear” that Brissett is the starter, as said on “The Rich Eisen Show.”
“I don’t believe Arizona is open right now,” Pelissero said. “Depending on what happens in the draft, it’s pretty clear, from my understanding, that Jacoby Brissett is the starter, Gardner Minshew is coming in as the two.”
“That’s how [the Cardinals are] going to play it through the offseason. Again, they may draft someone, that may change up the reps or the depth chart,” Pellissero continued.
It remains to be seen who will be announced as the starter with Arizona looking to improve after finishing with a 3-14 record.
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