Arizona Cardinals Quarterback Jacoby Brissett Holds Out of OTAs Amid Contract Dispute

Jacoby Brissett did not report to the Arizona Cardinals’ organized team activities (OTAs) on Tuesday, continuing a holdout for a restructured contract. The team’s OTA schedule includes three more sessions next week and a mandatory minicamp from June 8-10, but Brissett has missed all sessions to date.

ESPN

Brissett’s current deal pays $4.88 million, with a potential increase to $5.39 million and $1.5 million guaranteed. Spotrac data indicate a $4.9 million walk year that would count $9.2 million against the 2026 salary cap. Analysts note that releasing Brissett could save the Cardinals approximately $5.9 million in cap space for the upcoming season.

Bleacher Report

In 2025 Brissett started 12 games, posting a 1-11 record. Despite the win-loss tally, ESPN statistics rank him as the league’s top quarterback from Week 6 onward in dropbacks, play-actions, completions and attempts. He also ranked second in passing yards and fourth in completion-percentage-above-expected for that span.

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The Cardinals drafted rookie Carson Beck in the third round and signed veteran Gardner Minshew II, who is younger and carries a comparable contract. They provide alternatives at quarterback, suggesting the team could view Brissett as a short-term bridge.

Bleacher Report

Sources indicate the Cardinals have informed Brissett that he is the starting quarterback for the season, a shift from earlier reports after the release of Kyler Murray. However, negotiations remain stalled, with sides described as “significantly” far apart on a reworked deal.

ESPN

Commentary argues that a 33-year-old journeyman with a 1-11 record lacks leverage to dictate terms to a rebuilding franchise. The position is framed as a potential distraction, and releasing Brissett is presented as a means to send a strong organizational message while evaluating Beck for future decisions.

Bleacher Report

Contract figures differ slightly between sources: Spotrac cites a $4.9 million walk year and $9.2 million cap hit, while ESPN lists a $4.88 million base salary and $5.39 million potential earnings. Performance assessments also vary, juxtaposing a poor win-loss record with top-ranked quarterback metrics, leaving uncertainty about the weight given to each measure in the team’s decision-making.

Bleacher Report

• “-- Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett did not report to Arizona's OTAs on Tuesday as his holdout for a new deal continues, a source told ESPN.” — ESPN

ESPN

• “Brissett started 12 games for Arizona last season and finished 2025 as the NFL's top-ranked quarterback from Week 6 -- when he was given his first start with Kyler Murray injured -- on dropbacks, play-actions, completions and attempts.” — ESPN

ESPN

The Cardinals will complete OTAs without Brissett, assess rookie Carson Beck’s development, and decide whether to pursue a new contract, release the veteran, or retain him for the season. The outcome will influence the team’s cap strategy and quarterback depth heading into training camp.

ESPN