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Cardinals Kick Off OTAs Without Holdout QB Brissett

5/19/2026

Summary

Brissett Holds Out

The Arizona Cardinals began OTAs on May 18, 2026 while quarterback Jacoby Brissett remained absent because of his contract holdout.
Brissett, on a two-year, $12.5 million deal, will earn $4.88 million in 2026 with $1.5 million guaranteed.
Coach Mike LaFleur said negotiations are unchanged from a few weeks ago, warning Brissett could be fined for missing the mandatory minicamp June 8-10.
Quarterbacks Gardner Minshew II, Carson Beck and Kedon Slovis took reps while Brissett stayed away.

Summary

Ossenfort Weighs QB

General Manager Monti Ossenfort is weighing a quarterback plan that pairs Gardner Minshew with 2026 first-round pick Carson Beck (65th overall).
Defensive ends Garrett Williams and Walter Nolen and linebacker Josh Sweat missed Monday’s OTAs because of injuries.
Mack Wilson’s 2025 injuries—a fractured rib, punctured lung and three-day hospital stay—show hidden health risks.
Veteran Calais Campbell prefers a return to Baltimore over a fifth Arizona season at age 40.

History

Historical Context

In March 2022 Aaron Rodgers skipped the Packers’ mandatory minicamp and then signed a three-year, $150.8 million extension that made him the league’s highest-paid player. The holdout came as the NFL’s salary cap rose to $208.2 million, echoing past quarterback disputes such as Brett Favre’s 2023 trade and signaling teams’ growing leverage in contract negotiations.

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Brissett Holds Out

The Arizona Cardinals began OTAs on May 18, 2026 while quarterback Jacoby Brissett remained absent because of his contract holdout.
Brissett, on a two-year, $12.5 million deal, will earn $4.88 million in 2026 with $1.5 million guaranteed.
Coach Mike LaFleur said negotiations are unchanged from a few weeks ago, warning Brissett could be fined for missing the mandatory minicamp June 8-10.
Quarterbacks Gardner Minshew II, Carson Beck and Kedon Slovis took reps while Brissett stayed away.

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