Carson Beck Joins Cardinals: Will He Start in 2026?

The Arizona Cardinals selected quarterback Carson Beck with the 65th overall pick in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. This move injects intrigue into a quarterback room that is still undefined following the departure of Kyler Murray. Beck brings a wealth of experience, having started 43 games during his college career with Georgia and Miami.

Beck's college statistics include 11,725 passing yards and 88 touchdowns. He joins a quarterback competition that includes Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew II. While Brissett was initially considered the favorite, his contract dispute adds to the uncertainty. The Cardinals' general manager, Monti Ossenfort, has not named a starting quarterback, indicating an open competition.

Analysts suggest Beck has an opportunity to challenge for the starting role in his rookie season. The Cardinals plan to evaluate Beck against NFL competition, with the possibility of him starting at some point during the season. A third-round pick represents a reasonable investment, allowing the team to assess Beck before the potentially strong 2027 quarterback draft class.

Beck expressed his eagerness to learn and adapt, stating he is ready to be a sponge and absorb everything. His college success, particularly his high completion percentage and yardage last season, suggests he could be a valuable asset. The Cardinals' decision to draft him, rather than relying solely on veteran options, signals a commitment to evaluating new talent.