Why Jacoby Brissett showing up to minicamp could upend the Cardinals’ contract standoff

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Jacoby Brissett returns to Cardinals minicamp as contract talks resume​

Jacoby Brissett missed the start of the offseason while pushing for a pay rise. But by showing up at mandatory minicamp, he not only avoided a hefty fine but also got contract talks back on track.

The veteran quarterback is back with the team in time for minicamp, steering clear of a $107,000 fine for missing three days. With Arizona having moved on from Kyler Murray, Brissett is expected to be their starter, and he’s looking for a contract that reflects that role.

Brissett, entering the final season of a two-year, $12.5 million contract, is scheduled to earn a base salary of $4.8 million in 2026. Reports suggest the gap between his demands and the team’s offer remains wide.

From Brissett’s perspective, the argument is clear: if you’re going to name him the starter, he should be paid like one and not like a backup. The Cardinals see it differently, viewing him as more of a stopgap than a long-term solution. In their eyes, his current deal fits that role.

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How Brissett’s absence impacted rookie Carson Beck​

During Brissett’s time away, third-round pick Carson Beck and veteran Gardner Minshew saw plenty of action in practice. Beck, in particular, turned heads and generated some early excitement.

Every snap a young quarterback takes is a step closer to the team choosing to invest in the future rather than stick with the veteran.

While Brissett’s return helps re-establish his spot, it also serves as a reminder that he needs to keep proving he deserves to stay there. Brissett’s contract stance is rooted in leverage, but it’s only leverage if he maintains control of the huddle.

He’s seen enough quarterback rooms to know that a rookie gaining traction can quickly shift team priorities, and the gap between salaries isn’t a dealbreaker if the talent gap shrinks. The sooner Beck was coming anyway, the sooner Brissett needed to be there.

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