Quarterback Jacoby Brissett is conspicuously absent from the Arizona Cardinals' voluntary offseason program, signaling a deliberate stand related to his contract situation. Reports indicate Brissett desires an extension that reflects his perceived starter status, a move that comes as the team, under new head coach Mike LaFleur, remains non-committal about naming a definitive starting quarterback for the upcoming season. This absence, while permissible as the workouts are voluntary, casts a shadow over the team's preparations and underscores the tension between the player's aspirations and the organization's strategic ambiguity.
The veteran signal-caller, who started 12 games last season following Kyler Murray's injury, is reportedly seeking a deal that offers greater financial security than his current contract. As it stands, Brissett is slated to earn a base salary of $4.88 million in 2026, with only $1.5 million of that figure being guaranteed. This lack of substantial guarantee fuels his push for a new agreement.
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The Cardinals' front office, including General Manager Monti Ossenfort and Head Coach Mike LaFleur, has publicly avoided declaring a starter. This calculated silence allows for a competitive environment, potentially motivating both Brissett and newly acquired quarterback Gardner Minshew. Neither player has been definitively informed of a starting role, suggesting the competition is open.
Brissett's decision to skip the initial phase of the offseason program, which began on April 7, is not subject to fines due to its voluntary nature. However, it places increased reps for the starting position squarely on Minshew, at least in these early stages. The organization's willingness to "address Brissett's desire for a new deal" has been noted, but details regarding the timing and specifics of any potential negotiations remain elusive.
This situation arrives amidst other team activities, such as the pickup of the fifth-year option for left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. and the signings of wide receiver Kendrick Bourne and the re-signing of receiver Simi Fehoko and running back Bam Knight. Running back James Conner, however, has been present for the team's voluntary workouts. The uncertainty surrounding Brissett's contract and future role injects a significant layer of complexity into the Cardinals' organizational landscape as they navigate this crucial offseason period.
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