The Arizona Cardinals find themselves in a rather awkward predicament this offseason, largely centered around their quarterback, Jacoby Brissett. The team's decision to seemingly guarantee Brissett the starting role without an open competition has backfired, leading to his current contract holdout. This move has not only created internal friction but also cast a shadow over the team's strategic foresight, leaving many to question the coherence of their offseason planning.
Brissett's holdout is rooted in a fundamental disconnect between his perceived value and his current compensation. Having initially joined the Cardinals as a backup to Kyler Murray, Brissett unexpectedly stepped into the starting position due to Murray's injury, starting 12 games. Despite the team's challenging 1-11 record during his starts, Brissett achieved career highs in passing yards and touchdowns, fostering a belief that his performance warranted a more lucrative contract, one commensurate with a starting quarterback in the NFL. His current deal, valued at $12.5 million over two years with a significant portion guaranteed, falls considerably short of the going rate for starting quarterbacks, which typically exceeds $19.5 million annually.
Further complicating the narrative was the Cardinals' subsequent acquisition of Gardner Minshew, who signed a one-year deal worth nearly $5.7 million—an amount surpassing Brissett's annual salary. While Minshew was reportedly brought in as a backup, the timing and financial terms of his contract likely intensified Brissett's resolve for a pay raise. The critical error, as many observers point out, was the Cardinals' premature declaration of Brissett as the unchallenged QB1. This decision eliminated any internal competition, effectively legitimizing Brissett's claim to 'starter money' without having to earn it through a rigorous camp battle. In an ideal scenario, with a new coaching staff and offensive scheme in place, and Murray's departure, a competitive open tryout for the starting quarterback role would have been a more prudent approach.
The lack of an open competition has left the Cardinals looking disorganized and somewhat foolish. While Brissett's passing statistics might suggest a capable player, the team's 1-11 record under his leadership, including a nine-game losing streak after he assumed the starting role, underscores the broader challenges the team faced. The contrast with other NFL franchises making significant roster improvements, such as the LA Rams acquiring a Defensive Player of the Year, further highlights the Cardinals' perceived missteps. This situation paints a picture of a team that not only struggled on the field but also failed to demonstrate sound management off it, particularly in handling a crucial position like quarterback. This organizational lapse raises concerns about the team's preparedness and direction for the upcoming 2026 season.
