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Cardinals and QB Jacoby Brissett Stalemate on 2026 Deal

5/23/2026

Summary

Brissett Contract Standoff

Quarterback Jacoby Brissett and the Arizona Cardinals remain far apart in negotiations on a revised 2026 contract.
Brissett’s current deal pays $4.88 million, can rise to $5.39 million, and includes $1.5 million guaranteed.
He has skipped all voluntary OTAs and the offseason program while seeking a new contract.
Despite starting 12 games in 2025 with 3,366 yards, 23 touchdowns and a 64.9% completion rate, the Cardinals finished the season 3-14.

Summary

Brissett Salary Gap

Brissett’s guaranteed $1.5 million for 2026 is less than backup Gardner Minshew’s $5.14 million guaranteed salary.
The gap puts Brissett near the bottom of veteran quarterback pay and raises salary-cap questions.
Paying a starter less than a backup could curb the Cardinals’ roster-flexibility under the cap.
The disparity may affect future free-agent quarterback talks as the market watches Arizona’s valuation.

Summary

Brissett Takes Over

Kyler Murray’s mid-foot sprain in Week 5 forced backup quarterback Jeff Brissett to start the remaining games of the 2025 season.
Brissett had signed a two-year, $12.5 million contract in March 2025 as Murray’s backup.
NBC Sports analyst Chris Simms urged Brissett to “hold his damn ground” amid the contract dispute.
The Cardinals’ quarterback pipeline may include third-round 2026 draftee Carson Beck.

Summary

Brissett Faces Fine

Brissett will be fined $107,911 if he misses the mandatory minicamp scheduled for June 8-10.
Head coach Mike LaFleur said Brissett has done everything schematically, downplaying his absence.
The Cardinals promised Brissett the starting role, a promise now clouded by uncertainty from the new offensive system.
Brissett skipped the offseason program, marking a rare complete boycott and making the upcoming mandatory minicamp his first team-run session since the dispute began.

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Brissett Contract Standoff

Quarterback Jacoby Brissett and the Arizona Cardinals remain far apart in negotiations on a revised 2026 contract.
Brissett’s current deal pays $4.88 million, can rise to $5.39 million, and includes $1.5 million guaranteed.
He has skipped all voluntary OTAs and the offseason program while seeking a new contract.
Despite starting 12 games in 2025 with 3,366 yards, 23 touchdowns and a 64.9% completion rate, the Cardinals finished the season 3-14.

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