Full Breakdown
Cardinals’ Key Players Attend Minicamp Amid Contract Stalemate
6/10/2026, 9:05:36 AM
Minicamp Attendance Amid Contract Stalemate
Quarterback Jacoby Brissett and defensive end Josh Sweat reported to the Arizona Cardinals’ mandatory three-day minicamp on June 8, avoiding $100,000-plus fines. Both missed the voluntary offseason program and did not take part in on-field drills.
Background & Key Figures
Brissett is in the second year of a two-year, $12.5 million contract that pays $4.88 million in 2026 with $1.5 million guaranteed; after a 1-11 record he is seeking a restructured deal. Sweat signed a four-year, $76.4 million contract in 2025 with $41 million guaranteed after a career-high 12 sacks, and the team has said it will retain him. Head coach Mike LaFleur and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett oversee the roster.
Data & Stakes
In 2025 Brissett threw for 3,366 yards, 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions, ranking first in dropbacks, completions and attempts during the Cardinals’ nine-game losing stretch. Sweat posted 12 sacks, 28 pressures and 13 tackles for loss. Arizona’s defense allowed 35.2 points and 378 yards per game (31st) in that span. The contract gap—Brissett’s $4.88 M base with $1.5 M guaranteed versus Sweat’s $76.4 M total—highlights the financial stakes and cap implications for the rebuild.
Official Statements & Responses
The organization said Sweat “will eventually get on the practice field,” without a set date. LaFleur noted a “good conversation” with Sweat and emphasized that players must complete Phase One and Phase Two before Phase Three. Sources confirm Brissett remains the projected starter, but contract talks are “significantly far apart.” The team may still evaluate other quarterbacks during training camp.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts argue Brissett’s 1-11 record justifies keeping his current deal, while insiders view Sweat as the only viable pass rusher and dismiss trade speculation.
On-the-Ground Reports
Both attended; Brissett stretched in the weight room without cleats, and Sweat was present but did not practice.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sweat’s reason for missing voluntary work is unknown; Brissett’s participation level and the exact financial gap remain undisclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I'm not going to put a guy out on the field that hasn't been out there to prep.” — Mike LaFleur, Head Coach
- “We're coaching every single person like a starter. Been doing this a long time, you never know who's going to be out there,” — Nathaniel Hackett, Offensive Coordinator
- “Brissett wants a restructured contract for this season, the second of a two-year deal he signed in March 2025.” — ESPN source
- “One thing about that fodder is when the NFL insiders start talking about them trading their good players, and that started today with Josh Sweat. Here is the thing, trading Josh Sweat this offseason makes absolutely zero sense for the Arizona Cardinals. They did nothing, literally nothing, to upgrade the edge position, so trading away their only viable pass rusher would be something that doesn’t make sense.” — Seth Cox, analyst
What’s Next
The Cardinals will hold July training camp while negotiations continue. If no agreement is reached, they may trade or release Brissett. Sweat’s participation will be monitored as the defense prepares for 2026, and the quarterback depth chart will be refined before the NFL Draft.
