Jacoby Brissett Skips Cardinals Offseason Amid Contract Talks and Draft Uncertainty
The Arizona Cardinals are entering a new era following the firing of head coach Jonathan Gannon and the release of quarterback Kyler Murray. With Mike LaFleur, former offensive coordinator of the Rams, stepping in as head coach, the quarterback position remains uncertain. Currently, Jacoby Brissett is positioned as the top quarterback after starting 12 games in 2025. However, Brissett is absent from Phase 1 of the offseason program as he seeks an extension that reflects his status as a starter, according to NFL Media. Brissett's existing two-year, $12.5 million contract, signed in March 2025, has him slated for a $9.19 million cap hit in 2026, with a base salary of $4.88 million and $1.5 million guaranteed. Initially brought in as a backup to Murray, he stepped up significantly when Murray was injured, achieving a 64.9% completion rate with 23 touchdowns and a 94.1 passer rating, despite the team's poor 1-11 record with him. With Murray now with the Minnesota Vikings, Brissett currently leads the quarterback competition against Gardner Minshew II and Kedon Slovis. However, the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft poses a potential threat to his leverage and starting position. The Cardinals, holding the No. 3 overall pick, are reportedly interested in drafting a young quarterback, particularly Ty Simpson from Alabama, who is gaining traction as a first-round prospect. If the Cardinals select Simpson, Brissett could face a challenging battle for the starting role and diminished negotiating power in his contract discussions.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-04-17