The Arizona Cardinals have made their decision: veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett will be under center when the 2026 season kicks off. After weeks of speculation linking the team to a potential blockbuster move for 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers, the Cardinals have officially put those rumors to rest.

According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Rodgers is expected to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 2026 campaign. That news cleared the path for Arizona, with ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss reporting that the Cardinals are not only naming Brissett their QB1 but are also working on a contract adjustment to reflect his new role as the starter.

Brissett, who joined the Cardinals last season, brings a wealth of experience but also a concerning recent track record. Since 2024, the 32-year-old signal-caller has posted a 2-15 record as a starter. His time with the New England Patriots and Arizona has, ironically, helped both teams secure top-five NFL Draft picks in consecutive years—a silver lining for franchises in rebuild mode.

The move raises an important question for Cardinals fans: What is Brissett’s value to a team widely projected to be among the league’s worst? With promising rookie Carson Beck waiting in the wings, Arizona faces a delicate balancing act. They need to evaluate Beck’s potential, but Brissett’s presence could either accelerate that process or delay it if he finds a way to string together wins.

For now, the Cardinals are betting on Brissett’s veteran leadership to steady the ship. But in a league where quarterback play defines success, the real drama may be how long that bet lasts—and what it means for the team’s future under center.