Full Breakdown
Contract Standoff Leaves Arizona Cardinals’ Starting Quarterback Jacoby Brissett on the Sidelines
5/23/2026, 4:30:32 AM
Stalled Deal Between Brissett and the Cardinals
Arizona’s starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett and the franchise remain “significantly” far apart in talks over a reworked 2026 contract. The impasse has kept Brissett out of voluntary OTAs and the offseason program. The Cardinals will hold a mandatory minicamp June 8-10, with a $107,911 fine for missing all three days. The dispute centers on salary and guarantees, as Brissett seeks a larger, more secure deal.
Season Performance and Contract Landscape
In 2025, Brissett started either 12 or 14 games after Kyler Murray’s foot injury, posting career-best numbers: 64.9 % completion, 3,336-3,366 yards, 23 touchdowns, eight interceptions. The Cardinals finished 3-14 overall and were 1-11 in his starts. His contract pays $4.88 million in 2026, up to $5.39 million, with $1.5 million guaranteed. Backup Gardner Minshew has $5.14 million guaranteed for the same season, highlighting Brissett’s request for comparable pay.
Team and Coach Responses
Head coach Mike LaFleur has downplayed the stalemate, noting that Brissett “has done probably everything we’ve ever done schematically.” LaFleur also said the latest contract talks are “the same as where we were a few weeks ago,” indicating no recent progress. The organization has publicly affirmed Brissett as the starting quarterback for 2026, yet his absence from voluntary sessions suggests the dispute may affect his preparation.
Opposing Views on the Negotiations
Analyst Chris Simms of NBC Sports argued that Brissett should “hold his damn ground” to secure a better deal, reflecting a viewpoint that the quarterback’s leverage is justified. Conversely, the Cardinals’ leadership appears reluctant to increase guarantees, effectively opposing Brissett’s demands and maintaining the status quo.
Discrepancies in Reported Figures
Sources differ on several details: Brissett’s 2025 starts are reported as 12 games in three accounts and 14 games in another. Passing yard totals vary between 3,336 and 3,366 yards. The team’s record is described as 1-11 in his starts versus a 3-14 overall season finish. These inconsistencies highlight gaps in publicly available data.
Verbatim Quotes
- “done probably everything we’ve ever done schematically.” — Mike LaFleur, Arizona Cardinals
- “same as where we were a few weeks ago.” — Mike LaFleur, Arizona Cardinals
- “hold his damn ground” — Chris Simms, NBC Sports
- “significantly” far apart. — Josh Weinfuss, ESPN
- “Brissett has not attended any of the Cardinals voluntary OTAs or the voluntary offseason program as he waits for a new contract for this year, the second of a two-year deal he signed in March 2025.” — Josh Weinfuss, ESPN
Upcoming Obligations and Uncertainty
The mandatory minicamp on June 8-10 will proceed regardless of the contract dispute, with the fine for missing all three days remaining in effect. Whether Brissett will report to the upcoming OTAs hinges on any breakthrough in negotiations, leaving his participation and preparation for the 2026 season uncertain.
