The Arizona Cardinals' quarterback room is in flux as the team enters a new era. With Kyler Murray now in Minnesota and head coach Jonathan Gannon replaced by Mike LaFleur, the starting job appeared to be Jacoby Brissett's to lose. However, a significant contract standoff has thrown that assumption into question.

Brissett, who started 12 games for Arizona in 2025, is currently skipping the team's voluntary offseason program. According to reports, the veteran is seeking a contract extension that reflects starter-level compensation, a notable shift from the backup role he was initially signed to fill behind Murray.

His current deal, a two-year, $12.5 million pact signed in March 2025, leaves him with a modest $1.5 million in guaranteed salary for the 2026 season. Brissett's leverage stems from his solid performance last year; despite a 1-11 team record, he posted career-best numbers, completing 64.9% of his passes for 23 touchdowns against just eight interceptions.

On paper, he holds the inside track to start Week 1, especially with backup Gardner Minshew II recovering from a knee injury. But the looming NFL Draft is the wild card that could dramatically alter Arizona's plans and weaken Brissett's negotiating position.

With the first round less than a week away, the Cardinals hold the power to select a quarterback of the future, a move that would instantly reshape their financial commitment and competitive outlook. For now, Brissett is betting on his 2025 performance to secure his payday, but the draft clock is ticking, and Arizona's next move will define their direction under center.