Gardner Minshew Signing Cements Jacoby Brissett's Status As Cardinals' QB1 In 2026

The Arizona Cardinals are shifting their offensive focus to Jacoby Brissett, who will start under center in 2026.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 1:07pm

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The Arizona Cardinals have undergone significant changes early in the NFL offseason, primarily on the offensive side of the ball. The team is headed in a new direction under center after moving on from Pro Bowl quarterback and former No. 1 overall pick, Kyler Murray. Arizona and its former franchise quarterback elected to part ways, leading to his release just days into free agency. With Murray gone, having signed with the Minnesota Vikings on a one-year deal, the team appears to be shifting its attention to veteran signal-caller Jacoby Brissett. Last week, the Cardinals added solid depth to their quarterback room, bringing in veteran backup Gardner Minshew. The two sides agreed to a one-year deal, worth roughly $8.25 million, shoring up the quarterback group with a solid signing for additional depth.

Why it matters

With the Minshew signing, the team is looking to Brissett to lead the offense in 2026 after a solid campaign with Murray sidelined last season. Brissett took over for Murray in Week 6, earning the starting job for the remainder of the season while the Vikings' new signal-caller was shut down for the year due to injury.

The details

Brissett posted career numbers over his 14 appearances a season ago, completing 64.9% of his passes for 3,366 yards and 23 touchdowns with nine interceptions. From a fantasy football standpoint, he closed the year ranked as QB16, averaging 16.8 points per week, a higher average than the likes of Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield and Jordan Love. With a full season under his belt, he'll have the opportunity to improve on his career-high numbers, returning to a talented Cardinals offense featuring the likes of Trey McBride, James Conner and Marvin Harrison Jr., along with some new faces set to join the team for the upcoming season.

  • The Cardinals and Kyler Murray elected to part ways just days into free agency.
  • The Cardinals signed Gardner Minshew to a one-year, $8.25 million deal last week.

The players

Jacoby Brissett

The veteran signal-caller who will lead the Cardinals' offense in 2026 after a solid campaign with Murray sidelined last season.

Gardner Minshew

The veteran backup quarterback signed by the Cardinals to a one-year, $8.25 million deal to provide depth at the position.

Kyler Murray

The former Pro Bowl quarterback and No. 1 overall pick who parted ways with the Cardinals and signed with the Minnesota Vikings on a one-year deal.

Trey McBride

A talented offensive weapon in the Cardinals' offense.

James Conner

A key offensive piece in the Cardinals' offense.

Marvin Harrison Jr.

A breakout wide receiver in the Cardinals' offense.

Kendrick Bourne

The veteran wide receiver signed by the Cardinals to a two-year deal worth up to $16.47 million to bolster their receiving corps.

Michael Wilson

A breakout wide receiver in the Cardinals' offense.

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What they’re saying

“Cardinals signing QB Gardner Minshew to one-year, $5.75M deal worth up to $8.25M.”

— Tom Pelissero, NFL Network Reporter

What’s next

The Cardinals will continue to bolster their roster ahead of a crucial 2026 campaign, posting just a 3-14 record last season.

The takeaway

With the departure of Kyler Murray and the signing of Gardner Minshew, the Arizona Cardinals are clearly shifting their focus to veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett as their QB1 for the 2026 season. Brissett's solid performance in 2025 when filling in for the injured Murray has earned him the starting job, and the team is surrounding him with a talented supporting cast on offense to help him succeed.