Jacoby Brissett chose to skip the voluntary part of Arizona’s offseason programme, holding out for a contract that matched his status as the team’s likely starting quarterback.
By the time OTAs started on May 18, it was clear in how the Cardinals spoke about their quarterbacks that something had shifted.
Back in April, NFL Network reported that Brissett was after a starter-level contract. Once OTAs rolled around, offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur described talks as “good” – a familiar line used when teams want to keep things quiet while their top quarterback stays away.
This isn’t just a backup causing a stir from the sidelines. Brissett started 12 games last season, completing 64.9 percent of his passes for 3,366 yards, with 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
While Arizona may not officially name him the starter just yet, it is hard to imagine its offence not being built around him once training camp opens up.
Brissett’s contract push isn’t just about money
Brissett is entering the final year of his deal, and the details highlight why he might feel underpaid for a starting job. He is scheduled to make $4.88 million in base salary, with just $1.5 million guaranteed and a cap hit of $9.19 million.
It’s easy to see why Brissett would view this as more of a backup contract than one reflecting a starter’s role.
The point becomes even clearer when you consider that Gardner Minshew has more guaranteed money lined up for 2026 than Brissett does. That makes it harder for Arizona to frame him as their top choice, at least from a financial standpoint.
Arizona could have addressed this by making their intentions clear early on, but both Ossenfort and LaFleur have kept things vague, which hasn’t helped the situation.
If the Cardinals expect starter-level performance without making the commitment clear, these issues are likely to keep coming up during the offseason program.
Changes to the quarterback situation haven’t helped Brissett’s case
This isn’t just about Brissett and Kyler Murray anymore. The Cardinals cut Murray loose in March, completely changing the picture at quarterback. Kedon Slovis is still around as well.
The group is bigger now, but not much clearer. Brissett is still the only one with starts for this version of the team. Minshew brings experience, and Beck is a project, but neither shifts Brissett’s position all that much.
With Brissett not around, Minshew steps in right away. He gets the first-team reps, takes control of the huddle and starts learning LaFleur’s system from day one. Every snap in spring training carries a bit more meaning now. The longer Brissett holds out, the easier it becomes for Arizona to frame this as an open competition rather than backing him fully.
That is a fair answer in April. But it is harder to stick to once OTAs start and a new staff needs reps to build timing. LaFleur has downplayed the absence, pointing to Brissett’s experience. While that is true, it does not erase the impact.
Veterans can pick up terminology quickly, but they cannot build on-field chemistry from home. They cannot work through protections with the line or give coaches a real look at how the offence functions with them at the helm.
This is not just about Brissett missing practice. It is about Arizona still trying to run spring camps without its expected starter.
Brissett has strong leverage from his 2025 season
Jacoby Brissett is not just pushing for the job because there is a vacancy. He is doing it off the back of real production. He threw for over 3,300 yards and 23 touchdowns last season while taking 41 sacks. That did not make Arizona a finished product, but it gave them something to build on.
The team knows what they are getting. Brissett protects the ball, manages the offence and finds his main targets under pressure. That matters when Arizona is still learning LaFleur’s system. Minshew and Beck can run the scheme, but building around it takes reps with the player who already has over a decade of experience in NFL rooms.
When a team is learning a new system, voluntary work takes on added importance. That is why Brissett’s absence feels bigger than just another contract dispute. The Cardinals are not waiting for a star player who knows the system. They are starting from scratch, with a new head coach, changes to the quarterback room and a rookie who needs time on the field.
Every day that Brissett misses changes how the work is split. Minshew gets more command reps, Beck gets more developmental time and receivers have to adjust to new timing. The offence can still install its concepts, but it cannot see its full form without the likely starter present.
Arizona remains in control, at least for now
Because the programme is still voluntary, there’s no fine involved yet. But that would change if Brissett skipped mandatory minicamp in June.
The situation is already growing more tense, though. Every week adds to the uncertainty around the quarterback role and increases the pressure on Arizona to make a decision.
If the Cardinals want this resolved, they have two real options: pay Brissett closer to starter money or fully reopen the competition and risk going into summer without a clear direction.
For now, they’re trying to balance both approaches – and that’s exactly why Brissett’s absence stands out so much.
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