Cardinals Sign Pro Bowl Free Agent Quarterback

Gardner Minshew inks one-year, $5.75M deal with Arizona

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Arizona Cardinals have signed veteran quarterback Gardner Minshew to a one-year, $5.75 million contract with up to $8.25 million in incentives. Minshew, a Pro Bowler in 2023 with the Indianapolis Colts, will compete with Jacoby Brissett for the starting job in Arizona after the team parted ways with longtime starter Kyler Murray.

Why it matters

The Cardinals are in transition at the quarterback position after moving on from Kyler Murray, and the signing of Minshew provides them with an experienced option to compete for the starting role alongside Brissett. Minshew's Pro Bowl selection in 2023 suggests he can be a capable starter in the NFL, giving the Cardinals more options as they look to rebuild their offense.

The details

Minshew, a 2019 sixth-round pick, has spent time with five different NFL teams over his seven-year career. In 2023, he started 7 games for the Colts, completing 62% of his passes for 18 total touchdowns (15 passing) and 9 interceptions, earning a Pro Bowl selection. The Cardinals were unable to land Malik Willis earlier in free agency, so they pivot to Minshew as a potential starter or backup option alongside Brissett.

  • Minshew will turn 30 years old before the start of the 2026 NFL season.

The players

Gardner Minshew

A 6-1, 225 lb quarterback who has started 47 games across his seven-year NFL career, most recently making the Pro Bowl in 2023 with the Indianapolis Colts.

Kyler Murray

The Cardinals' longtime starting quarterback who is no longer on the team's roster.

Jacoby Brissett

A veteran quarterback who is under contract with the Cardinals for one more season.

Kedon Slovis

The Cardinals' third-string quarterback heading into the 2026 season.

Malik Willis

A quarterback who the Cardinals were unable to sign in free agency, as he instead joined the Miami Dolphins on a three-year, $20 million per year deal.

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What they’re saying

“Veteran QB Gardner Minshew is signing with the Cardinals on a one-year, $5.75 million deal, per source. He can make up to $8.25M with incentives.”

— Tom Pelissero (X)

The takeaway

The Cardinals' signing of Gardner Minshew provides them with an experienced quarterback option to compete for the starting job in 2026 after parting ways with Kyler Murray. Minshew's Pro Bowl selection in 2023 suggests he can be a capable starter, giving the Cardinals more options as they look to rebuild their offense.