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The Arizona Cardinals have made several moves in free agency so far. They have addressed many positions. While their moves might not be completely done, we know more or less what each position looks like.
The big question is whether the Cardinals are better as a result of the moves?
Over the next several articles, we will look at each position group and take a look at which players are not returning and who is new to determine whether they have improved at the position or not.
Let's take a look at quarterback.
Gone:
Murray was released at the start of the new league year to avoid triggering 2027 salary guarantees. He signed with the Minnesota Vikings, and the Cardinals are on the hook for $35.5 million of the $36.8 million in full guarantees for 2026, while the Vikings pay him $1.3 million, the veteran minimym salary.
Returning:
Brissett started the final 12 games of last season. He had a career season in terms of yards and touchdown passes, but he went 1-11 and lost the final nine games. He was 0-for-6 in end-of-game drives that could have given the Cardinals the lead.
New additions:
Minshew signed a one-year free agent deal.
No, they are worse.
While Murray's career was disappointing for the expectations, he still is one of the top three quarterbacks in Cardinals history. He is more talented than Brissett and Minshew and has accomplished more. The Cardinals are 5-25 since Murray was drafted when he doesn't play.
You can say the offense looked better with Brissett, but the truth is they averaged 18.7 offensive points over their final nine games, losing six of them by three or more scores. Brissett is 20-45 in his career as a starter. Minshew is 17-30.
There is no way to look at the position and say they are in a better spot right now. Financially, in 2027, if they draft a top quarterback, it might be worth it, but they are categorically worse in 2026 with this group of quarterbacks.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Arizona Cardinals offseason moves: Are they better at quarterback?
Continue reading...
The big question is whether the Cardinals are better as a result of the moves?
Over the next several articles, we will look at each position group and take a look at which players are not returning and who is new to determine whether they have improved at the position or not.
Let's take a look at quarterback.
2026 Cardinals offseason moves at quarterback
Gone:
- Kyler Murray
Murray was released at the start of the new league year to avoid triggering 2027 salary guarantees. He signed with the Minnesota Vikings, and the Cardinals are on the hook for $35.5 million of the $36.8 million in full guarantees for 2026, while the Vikings pay him $1.3 million, the veteran minimym salary.
Returning:
- Jacoby Brissett
- Kedon Slovis
Brissett started the final 12 games of last season. He had a career season in terms of yards and touchdown passes, but he went 1-11 and lost the final nine games. He was 0-for-6 in end-of-game drives that could have given the Cardinals the lead.
New additions:
- Gardner Minshew
Minshew signed a one-year free agent deal.
Are the Cardinals better at quarterback?
No, they are worse.
While Murray's career was disappointing for the expectations, he still is one of the top three quarterbacks in Cardinals history. He is more talented than Brissett and Minshew and has accomplished more. The Cardinals are 5-25 since Murray was drafted when he doesn't play.
You can say the offense looked better with Brissett, but the truth is they averaged 18.7 offensive points over their final nine games, losing six of them by three or more scores. Brissett is 20-45 in his career as a starter. Minshew is 17-30.
There is no way to look at the position and say they are in a better spot right now. Financially, in 2027, if they draft a top quarterback, it might be worth it, but they are categorically worse in 2026 with this group of quarterbacks.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Arizona Cardinals offseason moves: Are they better at quarterback?
Continue reading...
