“Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett plans to report to minicamp this week despite a contract impasse with the team, sources tell Josh Weinfuss and me. How much he does on the field remains uncertain. Brissett is due a $4.9M salary and wants a raise,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported on X.

While Brissett is scheduled to make $4.9 million this season, that below-market figure is likely a major incentive for him to keep fighting for his spot. By showing up, he proves his commitment to the team while keeping the pressure on management to move contract talks in the right direction and secure him a raise.

A Career Year in Arizona Fueling Leverage

Brissett’s strong 2025 campaign is the primary catalyst for his contract demands. While the Cardinals struggled to a 1-11 record in his 12 starts, Brissett put up impressive individual numbers, throwing for 23 touchdowns against just eight interceptions. He also set a career-high with 3,366 passing yards, stats that clearly have him feeling confident about what he can accomplish in his second year with the system.

As a 10-year NFL veteran, Brissett has never been unleashed as a passer quite like this. He completed 315 of 485 attempts (a efficient 64.9% completion rate), proving that his arm talent is elite and that he is ready to deliver if given the opportunity, whether in Arizona or elsewhere.

If the Cardinals decide to move on from Brissett, they do have options in a post-Kyler Murray quarterback room. The depth chart features veteran Gardner Minshew II, rookie Carson Beck, and Kedon Slovis. Still, Brissett represents their most proven commodity, and how Arizona handles this dispute could shape the franchise’s trajectory for the 2026 season.

“Not much. He’s got to be here to do that,” the wide receiver opened up to the press about his connection with Brissett. However, he stated that the veteran’s position is entirely understandable: “I’m all supportive of what he’s doing. He has to do what’s best for him and his family.”

Mike LaFleur has several options at his disposal if this situation remains unresolved in the near future. As for Harrison, he’ll need to be fully prepared and ready to perform regardless of who ends up under center.

What’s going on with Brissett?

Jacoby Brissett is entering the final year of his contract with the Arizona Cardinals, under which he is scheduled to earn roughly $5.44 million for the 2026 season—a figure that includes a base salary of $4.9 million but features only $1.5 million in guaranteed money.

The 33-year-old veteran quarterback has chosen to skip the team’s voluntary Offseason Training Activities because he is actively holding out for a restructured deal with an upgrade in guaranteed cash and starter-level compensation. Following the offseason departure of Kyler Murray, Brissett expects a raise to reflect his status as the projected starter, especially after recently posting a career year with 3,366 passing yards and 23 touchdowns.

Since the current Phase 3 workouts are entirely voluntary, he is not subject to fines, though Mike LaFleur and the front office remain “significantly far apart” from Brissett’s demands while new additions Gardner Minshew and rookie Carson Beck take the first-team reps.

Alternative options for LaFleur in Arizona

With the starting quarterback position in constant analysis, the Arizona Cardinals’ depth chart features three distinct options operating under head coach Mike LaFleur. Veteran Gardner Minshew II provides a highly experienced presence, commanding the first-team reps due to his extensive eight-year NFL track record and a solid $5.75 million contract that anchors him as a premium asset in the room.

Behind him, rookie Carson Beck—selected in the third round with the No. 65 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft—is being carefully integrated, earning praise for his pre-snap communication during Phase 3 workouts as he adapts to the pro-level speed.

Rounding out the group is second-year passer Kedon Slovis, who has used his familiarity with the system to handle the second-team reps, creating a highly competitive environment as the team gears up for training camp.

In fact, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN reported that Brissett and the Cardinals are “significantly” far apart in negotiations. A week ago, Mike LaFleur left plenty of doubts over Brissett’s QB1 status due to him missing all OTAs.

Meanwhile, Carson Beck and Gardner Minshew are training, getting to know their teammates and creating a bond with LaFleur. On the other hand, Brissett is coming off as greedy, and not someone that puts the team first. Bear in mind, Brissett is a career-long backup with some patches of starting football, but it’s not like he’s dominated the NFL.

Brissett has no leverage over the Cardinals

Before the Cardinals made moves, Brissett had all the leverage in the world. He was the only QB on the roster as Kyler Murray was going elsewhere, and he knew the players already.

Now, the Cardinals have two other QBs that could perfectly be at Brissett’s level. Not only that, he’s missing time with a new head coach, which means he’s getting behind in learning mannerisms, schemes, and much more. His biggest mistake is thinking he is still the guy to start. Furthermore, Brissett went 1-11 last season.

Minshew and Beck provide something Brissett doesn’t

Minshew was a starter back in the day, but even as a backup, he brings some rebel manners to his game. He is not afraid of anyone and is somewhat mobile. He also has a better career winning percentage, completion percentage, passing yards per game, and passer rating than Brissett. As for touchdowns, Minshew is just eight shy in 63 games compared to Brissett’s 101.

As for Beck, he is the rookie, the new face that could provide stability for years to come. Beck is the upside option, but has a low floor. If he develops correctly though, all things could change.

Per Mike LaFleur, “It’s the same as where we were a few weeks ago… We’ve had contact, I’ll leave it at that.” Hence, Brissett’s absence from OTAs doesn’t shock the head coach, but it might open the door for another two quarterbacks.

Gardner Minshew and rookie Carson Beck can now see how the QB1 battle can open up for them. The fact is Brissett is not exactly a top-tier QB, in fact, he’s always been a backup. For Minshew and Beck, this is great as they can go ahead and try to compete.

Minshew and Beck could be more promising than Brissett

Minshew has been a starter previously and is regarded as one of the best backups in the NFL. He is a rebel and goes beyond to try and defy the odds. Brissett is somewhat like that, but the fact is Minshew might be more accurate, though has less arm.

As for Beck, he is younger (Minshew is also younger), and has, on paper, a higher ceiling than Brissett. Beck was picked in the third round, so the fact is he could be a sleeper and might get QB1 reps if Brissett and Minshew don’t show out.

The Cardinals are underdogs in every game of the season

In a rare move, the Cardinals are the underdogs according to the Vegas odds in all 17 games of the regular season. It doesn’t matter who their opponents are, according to the bookmakers, the Cardinals are not better than them.

The report regarding the team’s depth chart hierarchy comes from Josh Weinfuss, who shared the news on X earlier this week. Weinfuss stated: “I’ve been told, as of now, Jacoby Brissett is QB1 despite him holding out for a new contract,” noting that the team is moving forward with him as the starter while negotiations continue.

Brissett established a steady floor for the offense last NFL season, setting various career highs in passing yards and touchdowns while showing the poise needed to navigate a young roster. His ability to manage games and limit turnovers remains his greatest strength, giving the Cardinals a competitive edge as they integrate new talent across the offensive line.

Cardinals depth chart QB options

Beyond Brissett, the Cardinals have a mix of high-upside youth and reliable veteran experience to round out the room. Beck arrives from the college ranks with a reputation for accuracy and postseason success, and while the plan is for him to learn as a rookie, his physical tools suggest he could push for playing time if Brissett’s contract situation remains unresolved.

Gardner Minshew II provides the most significant veteran competition, currently slotted as the QB2 with a proven history of winning games in relief roles. Minshew has amassed over 11,000 career passing yards and 68 touchdowns, offering the “Minshew Mania” spark and a dual-threat capability that can keep the Cardinals’ offense moving during unexpected absences.

Rounding out the depth chart is Kedon Slovis, a young developmental prospect entering his second season with the team after a standout college career at BYU. While he saw limited action last year, Slovis provides the franchise with a low-cost, high-potential arm that knows the playbook well.

The latest insight from Ian Rapoport helped cool some of that speculation, offering a more grounded view of the situation. Despite the noise, there appears to be little real momentum toward Arizona as a landing spot. Instead, the focus remains on a scenario that has quietly lingered for months as Rodgers weighs his future with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“I certainly don’t expect him to sign in Arizona. When he decides to play football, if he decides to play football, I expect it to be for the Pittsburgh Steelers. I expect it to be for a contract where they sort of figure out based on the UFA tag.”

Steelers playing the long game while waiting on Aaron Rodgers

For the Pittsburgh Steelers, patience has become a familiar approach. They are once again waiting on Rodgers’ decision, mirroring a situation that already played out before the 2025 season.

Even with a shift on the sidelines, the broader strategy has not changed. Mike McCarthy now leads the team, replacing the dynamic that once involved Mike Tomlin in recruiting Rodgers. Still, the mission remains the same: find stability at quarterback and position the roster to compete immediately for a Super Bowl.

That urgency is reflected in their recent moves. By drafting Drew Allar to compete with Will Howard, the Steelers have invested in the future without closing the door on the present.

Rodgers represents the ideal bridge in that equation, a proven veteran capable of delivering wins now while buying time for younger options to develop into long-term answers.

“You know, honestly right now we’re focused on the guys that we got coming in. You got the unit that we have, you know…Gardner, and Jacoby, and Slovis. And then we draft Carson Beck in the third round. He’ll be here Thursday finally, we’re trying to do some zoom staff,” the head coach said via Jim Rome. “So, we got a room that we’re excited to work with and that’s solely where my focus is.”

It’s clear that LaFleur has experience with Brissett and Minshew, although Rodgers’ pedigree would obviously provide a significant upgrade in quality. What will ultimately be A-Rod’s destination for the upcoming 2026 season?

What role will Carson Beck play?

Following his selection as the first pick of the third round in the 2026 NFL Draft, Carson Beck enters a wide-open Arizona Cardinals quarterback room with a legitimate chance to see the field early. Coming off a stellar 2025 campaign with the Miami Hurricanes where he threw for 3,813 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions with a highly efficient 72.4% completion rate, Beck provides the kind of polished pocket presence.

While coach Mike LaFleur has yet to name a starter for the upcoming season, the narrative in camp suggests that the QB1 battle tightens with a healthy Carson Beck now in the mix. If the rookie can translate his elite collegiate production and championship-level experience into the pro system during the summer, he may very well jump the veterans on the depth chart before the season opener.

Brissett’s current situation in Arizona

Despite being the frontrunner for the QB1 spot, Jacoby Brissett is currently at a contractual crossroads with the Arizona Cardinals. Although he is scheduled to earn a base salary of $4.88 million in 2026—with a total cap hit of $9.19 million—the veteran quarterback has notably skipped the team’s early offseason programs.

Brissett is reportedly seeking a contract extension that reflects his status as a starter, as his current deal only includes $1.5 million in guaranteed money for the upcoming season. While the front office has expressed a willingness to address his request, the recent arrival of Gardner Minshew and the drafting of Carson Beck have sparked league-wide rumors that the Cardinals could potentially move Brissett by the trade deadline if a long-term agreement isn’t reached.

Obstacles to Rodgers’ arrival in Glendale

The Steelers placed a rare UFA tender on Rodgers, allowing him to make $15 million in a 10% raise from last year. However, Rodgers could still command a bigger deal elsewhere. While the Arizona Cardinals have cap space, they may hesitate to meet these demands given their recent draft investment in Carson Beck and the signing of Gardner Minshew.

Furthermore, because of the tender, any team signing the 42-year-old veteran would have to surrender a valuable compensatory pick to Pittsburgh, a high price that likely keeps Rodgers from heading to the desert.

Journalist Gery Woelfel reported on X that sources close to the Cardinals rave about Gannon’s ability to lead, even during challenging seasons filled with roster turnover. The source stated: “The players here loved him. They (the Cardinals) had a lot of injuries and lost a lot close games. But he (Gannon) kept that locker room together.”

Continuing the praise, the report emphasized that the team “bought into what he was coaching and believed in him,” suggesting a strong culture shift is coming to Wisconsin. Woelfel’s source concluded with a confident prediction for the current roster, noting that “Those players up there (in Green Bay) are going to love playing for him.”

How Gannon can evolve the Packers’ defensive unit

Gannon is focused on creating a bespoke scheme for the 2026 season, telling players the system will be a mix of his successful stints in Philadelphia, Arizona, and even college concepts. “I don’t really get caught up in ‘This is my playbook,'” Gannon explained, promising a fresh start that isn’t tied to rigid, outdated coaching philosophies.

His defensive knowledge is extensive, having served as the defensive backs coach for the Colts and the defensive coordinator for a dominant Eagles unit that reached the Super Bowl. While his record as a head coach faced hurdles, his history of developing secondary talent suggests the Packers’ defensive backfield will see immediate technical improvements.

The opportunity to work alongside Matt LaFleur and a top-tier quarterback like Jordan Love were primary factors that drew Gannon to this “iconic franchise.” By combining his experience with the stability of the Packers’ organization, Gannon aims to build a defense that is as resilient and respected as the team’s historic reputation.

Per ESPN, an anonymous Power Four defensive coordinator said about Beck, “I think he’ll be solid. I don’t think he’ll be special. Whether it’s poise or accuracy at key moments, he just seems to have too many misses.”

Those are some harsh words regarding how the opposing defensive coordinators saw Beck. Now, Beck was a second-round pick, so the fact is expectations were never that high to be quite fair.

Beck landing on the Cardinals could be a make-or-break event in his career

The Cardinals could potentially have one of, if not the weakest (on paper) QB room in the NFL. Brissett and Minshew are backups fighting for a starting spot. Hence, if Beck impresses, he could get the starting gig right from the get-go.

However, if Beck fails to even make this a debate, his career might start with him being a backup and never getting the chance to become a starter. Hence, it’s one of those moments where the rookie must be ready to step up.

The Cardinals are in a bad situation overall

The Cardinals are optimistic with Mike LaFleur coming in as the head coach. Besides, they drafted a generational talent like Jeremiyah Love at running back. The Cardinals also have awesome skill position players.

Still, they are in a bad situation. They don’t have a star quarterback, their defense is not precisely elite, and the division in which they play is as tough as one can be. The San Francisco 49ers, the Seattle Seahawks, and the Los Angeles Rams all had 12+ wins last season. The Cardinals had three.

“He’s probably reaching full health now…that guy’s best football is ahead of him, too. He’s healthy, and I think he’s going to do great,” Beck’s former coach at the Miami Hurricanes, Mario Cristobal, revealed via PHNX Cardinals on X.

Now the final decision will rest with LaFleur heading into Week 1. Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew present the veteran options on the depth chart, though the recently drafted rookie will look to seize his opportunity as he enters the NFL.

Beck’s numbers put pressure on the Cardinals’ QB battle

During his 2025 standout season with the Miami Hurricanes, Carson Beck delivered elite production under the guidance of Mario Cristobal, who has long been a vocal supporter of the quarterback’s talent and pocket poise. Beck orchestrated a high-powered offense, completing 72.4% of his passes for 3,813 yards and 30 touchdowns against just 12 interceptions, proving he could thrive in a pro-style system.

After being selected 65th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, his accuracy and maturity make him a strong candidate to push for a starting role in his rookie season. Given the team’s current quarterback room and Beck’s polished skill set, he has a legitimate path to leading the offense in Glendale from day one.

The injury that has plagued Beck in recent times

Carson Beck’s recent career has been significantly impacted by a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right throwing arm. He suffered the devastating injury during the 2024 SEC Championship Game while playing for Georgia, which required surgery and a grueling rehabilitation process that kept him off the field for months.

Although he successfully returned to lead Miami to a national title appearance in 2025, the injury—and a perceived slight dip in arm strength—remains a focal point as he begins his professional career in Arizona.

A tough schedule ahead for Arizona

Although the exact dates of the games are not yet fully confirmed, the Arizona Cardinals are set to face a particularly challenging 2026 season. Considered by many to have the toughest schedule among all 32 franchises, these are the opponents LaFleur’s team will face starting in Week 1.

Following a disappointing 2025 NFL season, the Cardinals released Kyler Murray in March. Now, they have launched a new competition, with high hopes regarding what rookie Carson Beck can achieve.

“Just really excited to add him to the group,” general manager Monti Ossenfort said. “We’ve got two guys that have played and started a lot of games in the NFL in Jacoby and Gardner. I think that’s gonna be a great competition. We’ll add him in here, and we’ll bring him in and see how much he can handle. We’ll just see how that competition plays out in that room. In the end, the guy who’s gonna give us the best chance to win that’s who’s gonna be out there on Sundays.”

Can Carson Beck be the Cardinals’ starting QB in Week 1?

Neither Jacoby Brissett nor Gardner Minshew are regarded as the long-term future of Arizona, and that’s why the Cardinals won’t name a starter yet. While Carson Beck was not a first-round pick, the Cardinals hope he is the hidden gem who could become the team’s long-awaited franchise quarterback.

Beck was the third quarterback selected in the draft, following Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson. His college production and 6-foot-4 frame lead many to believe he was a steal, yet he still has much to prove.

While Brissett may start Week 1 due to his veteran experience, the Cardinals are aware that evaluating Beck early will be vital to determining if they need to draft another signal-caller in 2027 or if the former Miami standout is their guy.

A tough test for Carson Beck

While Kyler Murray’s tenure ended without meeting high expectations, the Cardinals are desperate for a success story. Carson Beck aims to provide that, though the challenge ahead is significant.

In the NFC West, the Seahawks, Rams, and 49ers are all regarded as Super Bowl contenders, while the Cardinals are not. However, if Beck can lead a turnaround and push for the playoffs in his debut season, it could be the spark Arizona has sought for years.