Jacoby Brissett Skips Cardinals Offseason Training Amid Contract Standoff
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett is reportedly refusing to attend the beginning of the team's offseason training program, as a standoff over his contract continues to unfold. The 33-year-old signal caller is entering the final year of the two-year, $12.5 million deal he signed back in 2025, but he is now pushing for an extension that would offer him more security and solidify his position as the starter.
Contract Details and Negotiations
Under his current agreement, Brissett is due to make a base salary of $4.88 million in the 2026 season. However, only $1.5 million of that compensation is guaranteed, leaving him vulnerable. This lack of guaranteed money has prompted Brissett to seek a new deal that provides greater financial stability and confirms his role as the team's primary quarterback.
According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Cardinals have expressed willingness to address Brissett's contract concerns. Despite this, negotiations are ongoing, and Brissett has been absent from the start of the offseason program. It is important to note that this initial phase of training is voluntary, meaning Brissett will not face fines for his absence.
Background and Team Dynamics
Last season, Brissett started 12 games for the Cardinals, stepping in for an injured Kyler Murray. Murray played only five games due to a right foot injury that was initially expected to heal in a few weeks but proved more serious. In a significant move, Murray was released by Arizona in March after the franchise reportedly failed to find a trade partner and informed him of their decision earlier in the offseason.
Even with Murray's departure, Brissett has not been assured the starting role for 2026, as reported by ESPN. The Cardinals have another option at quarterback in Garner Minshew, who signed with the team in March. Minshew, a former Kansas City Chiefs backup, is scheduled to have $5.14 million of his contract guaranteed this season.
Both Brissett and Minshew bring starting experience to the table, but across the league, they are widely viewed as stopgap solutions—players who are better suited as quality backups rather than long-term starters.
Draft Implications and Future Prospects
Looking ahead, the Cardinals hold the No. 3 pick in next week's NFL Draft. In many scenarios, this would present a prime opportunity to select a franchise quarterback. However, the landscape is not straightforward this year.
The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to take Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall selection. Once he is off the board, there is no clear consensus on a true first-round quarterback prospect. Alabama's Ty Simpson could emerge as the next best option. If the Cardinals are interested in Simpson, they might consider trading down from the No. 3 pick to acquire additional draft capital while still potentially selecting him later.
This draft strategy could influence the team's approach to Brissett's contract situation, as securing a long-term quarterback solution remains a priority for the franchise.
