How Jacoby Brissett’s absence is shaping the Cardinals’ early offseason
Despite what Mike LaFleur has said publicly, there’s still a lot of uncertainty in Arizona about how Jacoby Brissett will fit in. The Cardinals still have to see if he can step into the offence without having spent much time on the field during the install period and operate efficiently.
On May 27, LaFleur mentioned that the team was aware Brissett wouldn’t attend while he continued to negotiate a deal closer to starter money. He explained that he had already gone through most of what Arizona was installing, with only some of the specific language and cadence left to pick up.
Brissett has more than a decade of experience in the league. He started 12 games last season after Kyler Murray’s injury, throwing for 3,366 yards and 23 touchdowns against eight interceptions — although the team only managed one win during those starts. That background gives LaFleur reason to feel at ease.
Learning the playbook is still important
Brissett is learning a new offence under a first-year head coach. Every rep in this install carries weight a carryover system wouldn’t ask of him. Arizona can hand him the playbook and trust he knows it. Timing with new receivers, fresh cadence work, and an unfamiliar play-caller’s voice come from being on the grass.
The Cardinals haven’t named him QB1 either, which keeps rookie Carson Beck and the rest of the room in the conversation while Brissett stays home.
Brissett isn’t the only veteran missing. Josh Sweat, who led the Cardinals with 12 sacks in 2025, has also stayed away, though his situation runs past money. Sweat has been unhappy since Arizona fired Jonathan Gannon, and the team has fielded trade calls on the Pro Bowl edge rusher.
Budda Baker waved off both. “I understand it. It’s OTAs, you don’t have to be here,” the safety said. The work is voluntary. For new staff, spring is also when the whole roster learns to speak the same language.
The hope is that Brissett’s experience will help him catch up quickly, whether that’s before or during mandatory minicamp, and history suggests he can handle it. If the offence runs smoothly, LaFleur’s approach will look justified. If timing issues linger, the time missed will be an easy target for blame.
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