QB Brissett Holds Out: Cardinals Face QB Crisis

Jacoby Brissett, the starting quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals, has been absent from Organized Team Activities (OTAs) held at the Dignity Health Training Center in Tempe, Arizona, throughout May. This absence stems from dissatisfaction with his current contract, which pays him $4.88 million for the upcoming 2026 season. Brissett was initially signed as a backup to Kyler Murray but became the starter after Murray's season-ending injury in Week 5 of 2025. Following a 1-11 record despite solid individual performances from players like Brissett, Trey McBride, and Michael Wilson, the Cardinals released Murray. New head coach Mike LaFleur named Brissett the starter for 2026.

Brissett's current salary would rank him as the 30th highest-paid quarterback in the NFL, with several backups and rookie contract players earning more. His absence from OTAs and potential no-show at the mandatory minicamp from June 8-10 suggests a holdout. While the Cardinals hold his contract rights for one remaining year, GM Monti Ossenfort faces a decision on whether to renegotiate. Brissett's past starting experience with the Cleveland Browns and Indianapolis Colts, coupled with a record-setting 47 completions against the 49ers last season, supports his desire for a raise. However, the team also has veteran Gardner Minshew and rookie Carson Beck on the roster, and other available quarterbacks like Russell Wilson, Jimmy Garoppolo, and Cooper Rush could be considered if Brissett's holdout continues.