One of the primary responsibilities for first‑year Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur is determining the team’s starting quarterback as the post‑Kyler Murray era begins.
A definitive answer may not be provided immediately.
Veteran Jacoby Brissett, who started the final 12 games last season, was initially favored for the position but opted out of the offseason program due to dissatisfaction with his contract. His participation in Thursday’s workout, however, suggested that a new agreement might be imminent.
Brissett is now part of a three‑person competition that also includes veteran Gardner Minshew and rookie Carson Beck for the starting role, though LaFleur offered no specifics when questioned about the depth chart.
"I would describe it as the first practice on July 23,\" LaFleur said.
Brissett, who is 33, is in the final year of a $12.5 million, two‑year contract, with only $1.5 million guaranteed. Should he retain the starting role, he would rank among the league’s lowest‑paid starting quarterbacks.
Despite posting solid individual numbers — 3,366 passing yards, 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions — last season, the Cardinals posted a 1‑11 record in his starts. The team ultimately finished last in the NFC West with a 3‑14 overall record.
Safety Budda Baker publicly expressed his views on Brissett’s contract situation earlier this month, writing on social media: "Just want bro to get his (expletive) done… he is not asking for what you think. Bro is asking for below the bare minimum. Let’s just get it done!!!"
(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Baker reaffirmed his earlier comment on Thursday.
"I definitely think Jacoby did a great job coming in last year," Baker said. "I know we didn’t achieve the wins we desired, but I believe he commanded the offense at a high level."
Johnson and Sweat Listed on Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) List
Starting left tackle Paris Johnson (knee) and star edge rusher Josh Sweat (knee) reported to camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
LaFleur indicated that he is not concerned about the long‑term outlook for either player.
"The Paris situation is really nothing," LaFleur explained. "We’re all on the same page; it’s merely maintenance, and he should be back before long." He added, "Josh is enthusiastic to be here, showed great spirits yesterday, and looked sharp."
Although Johnson and Sweat will not take part in practices, they remain counted toward the 90‑player training camp roster. They are allowed to attend meetings and may rejoin practice at any point during the preseason.
Johnson is entering his fourth season as a starter, while Sweat recorded a career‑high 12 sacks in the previous season.
The other two players on the PUP list — cornerback Garrett Williams (Achilles tendon) and Tip Reiman (ankle) — continue to recuperate from serious injuries sustained last season.
Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Off‑Field Issues Continue to Surface
LaFleur’s inaugural training camp, which includes the quarterback competition, has been overshadowed by off‑field issues in recent weeks.
The NFL indefinitely suspended Cardinals personnel executive Ryan Gold on July 17 for violating the league’s gambling policy. An investigation concluded that Gold had disclosed confidential, non‑public information about the Cardinals’ 2026 draft selections prior to their announcement and had placed parlay bets on NFL and college games.
Gold has been with the organization for his 13th season.
More recently, Cardinals offensive lineman Isaiah Adams was arrested in Canada on four weapons charges. The third‑year player, who is competing for a starting role, attended camp on Thursday.
He was charged with possession of a firearm obtained in a crime, possession of a restricted/prohibited firearm, unlawful possession of a loaded firearm without a license, and possession of a prohibited device. Adams’s attorney, Adam Weisberg, issued a statement asserting that Adams is "completely innocent in this matter."
"He’s doing well," LaFleur said of Adams. "I prefer not to comment extensively on the matter, but it’s positive to see him progressing."
