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One of first-year Arizona Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur’s first tasks is determining who the team’s starting quarterback will be now that the post-Kyler Murray era has arrived.
The answer may not come soon.
Veteran Jacoby Brissett – who started the final 12 games last season – was the initial favorite to land the role, but did not practice with the team in the offseason because he is unhappy with his contract situation. However, he participated in Thursday’s practice, signaling that a new deal could be reached.
Brissett appears to be in a three-way battle with veteran Gardner Minshew and rookie Carson Beck for the starting job, but LaFleur gave no clues on the depth chart when asked to describe the competition.
“I would describe it as training on July 23,” LaFleur said.
Brissett, 33, is in the final year of a two-year, $12.5 million contract, although only $1.5 million is guaranteed. If he remains the starter, he would be among the lowest paid quarterbacks in the league.
Brissett had good individual stats last season with 3,366 passing yards, 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions, but the Cardinals went 1-11 in his starts. The Cardinals finished last in the NFC West with a 3-14 record.
Security Budda Baker made her feelings about Brissett’s situation known on social media earlier this month, posting: “I just want my brother to do his (expletive)…he’s not asking what you think. My brother is asking below the bare minimum. Let’s do it!!!”
(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Baker stood by his Thursday statement.
“I really think Jacoby did a great job last year,” Baker said. “I know we didn’t get the wins we wanted to get, but I think he commanded the offense at a high level.”
Johnson and Sweat on puppy list
Starting left tackle Paris Johnson (knee) and star runner Josh Sweat (knee) opened camp on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.
LaFleur said he wasn’t concerned about the long-term prognosis for either player.
“The Paris thing, it’s really, honestly nothing. We’re all on the same page, it’s really just a matter of maintenance so he’ll be back before you know it,” LaFleur said. “Same thing with Josh. Seeing him yesterday, he was excited to be here. He was in a good mood and looked really good.”
Johnson and Sweat won’t practice, but they still count toward the 90-player training camp limit. They are allowed to attend meetings and can return to training at any time during the pre-season.
Johnson enters his fourth season as a starter, while Sweat had a career-high 12 sacks last season.
The other two on the PUP list – cornerback Garrett Williams (Achilles tendon) and Tip Reiman (ankle) – are still recovering from serious injuries sustained last season.
Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Off-field problems spread
LaFleur’s first training camp — including the quarterback battle — was overshadowed by off-the-field issues in recent weeks.
The NFL indefinitely suspended Cardinals personnel director Ryan Gold on July 17 for violating the league’s gaming policy. The league said its investigation determined that Gold provided confidential, non-public insider information regarding the Cardinals’ 2026 draft selections before the picks were announced, and Gold also participated in parlay betting on NFL and college games.
Gold is in his 13th season with the organization.
Most recently, Cardinals offensive lineman Isaiah Adams was arrested in Canada on four weapons-related charges. Adams, a third-year player aiming for a starting spot, was in camp Thursday.
The 25-year-old man was charged with possession of a firearm obtained by a crime, possession of a restricted/prohibited firearm, no license while in possession of a loaded firearm and possession of a prohibited device. Adams’ attorney, Adam Weisberg, said in a statement that Adams is “completely innocent in this matter.”
“He’s doing well,” LaFleur said of Adams. “I’m not going to comment too much on that obviously…but he’s doing well and it’s good to see him.”
Associated Press reporting.
