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Drama hit the Arizona Cardinals camp this Wednesday as Jacoby Brissett clocked in at team facilities—just in time to dodge a $60,000 daily fine—but made it crystal clear: his contract situation is far from settled.
After carrying the offense as a starter in 12 games last season, Brissett is looking for a pay bump that matches his role and performance. But the front office? They're not budging—at least not yet. Don’t let his presence fool you; things are anything but calm in Arizona.
In fact, Brissett is expected to use the increasingly popular "hold-in" tactic: show up, hang around the building, but don’t fully participate in team drills. It’s the go-to move for players who want to renegotiate without risking a financial hit.
Meanwhile, head coach Mike LaFleur has publicly backed Brissett, who’s still penciled in as the Week 1 starter. But with all this uncertainty, Gardner Minshew and rookie Carson Beck are getting more first-team reps, cranking up the pressure on management to get this contract mess sorted before preseason heats up.
The Salary Dilemma: Is Brissett Worth the Raise?
The sticking point? Cold, hard cash. Brissett is set to make up to $5.39 million in 2026, but only $1.5 million is guaranteed—a number that looks pretty sad compared to his backup, Gardner Minshew II, who just signed a deal with more guaranteed money this offseason.
The comparison is brutal and has fans and teammates scratching their heads: how does the starting QB make less than the backup? Defensive captain Budda Baker even jumped in on social media to defend his teammate:
"I just want my brother to get his situation sorted... He’s not asking for what you think. He’s asking for less than the bare minimum. Let’s get it done!"
The Cardinals’ front office has plenty of wiggle room, with about $35 million in cap space. But the gap between what Brissett wants and what the team is offering is still wide, and neither side seems ready to blink.
Impact on the Locker Room and Arizona’s Offense
Despite the tension, Brissett has kept strong ties with his teammates. Over the summer, he organized private workouts with key guys like tight end Trey McBride and receiver Michael Wilson, showing leadership and commitment to the squad.
Moves like that have only boosted his standing in the locker room—and put even more pressure on the front office to get this contract drama wrapped up before it becomes a full-blown distraction.
The uncertainty has opened the door for Gardner Minshew—famous for his wild style and ability to fire up the crowd—to get more first-team snaps. And rookie Carson Beck, who inked his rookie deal on July 22, is shaping up as a long-term project, though he’s not quite ready to battle for the starting job just yet.
Coach Mike LaFleur summed it up: "No updates on his contract for now, but Brissett is in the building." That pretty much captures the tense waiting game in Arizona, where everyone knows the team’s immediate future hangs on one signature.
QB Salary Comparisons and the Bigger NFL Picture
Brissett’s case isn’t unique in the NFL. Quarterback salaries have exploded in recent years, and players want deals that reflect their true value. But Brissett’s 1-11 record as a starter in 2025 makes his case a little tricky, even with 3,366 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 8 picks.
The front office could use those numbers to justify their stance, but the fact that Minshew is making more than the starter is a tough pill to swallow. With plenty of cap space, the Cardinals have options—but the final call will come down to how much they value Brissett’s leadership and stability versus rolling the dice on Minshew or fast-tracking Beck’s development.
Frequently Asked Questions: Jacoby Brissett and the Arizona Cardinals
Why did Jacoby Brissett show up to training camp if he’s unhappy with his contract?
Brissett reported to avoid $60,000 daily fines, but he’s expected to use the "hold-in" strategy—being present but not fully participating in practice until his contract situation is resolved.
What’s Brissett’s current salary, and why does he want a raise?
Brissett is set to make up to $5.39 million in 2026, with only $1.5 million guaranteed. He wants a raise that reflects his role as the starter, especially since his backup, Gardner Minshew, has a deal with more guaranteed money.
How is this situation affecting the team?
The uncertainty has allowed other QBs like Gardner Minshew and rookie Carson Beck to get more first-team reps, which could impact the offense’s preparation and chemistry if things don’t get sorted soon.
What do Brissett’s teammates think?
Players like Budda Baker have publicly supported Brissett, urging the front office to get the deal done and recognizing Brissett’s leadership in the locker room.
What’s next for the Cardinals?
The front office has to decide whether to meet Brissett’s demands or roll with other options at quarterback. Time’s ticking, with preseason right around the corner and stability at QB crucial for the team’s success.
