With minicamps underway, the Arizona Cardinals are still without veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett as contract discussions continue to stall. His absence has now sparked speculation that several rival franchises could enter the picture. 

Caleb Hightower of The Sporting News has reported that the current situation could tempt some NFL teams with Brissett being notably absent from team activities.

“A source told ESPN that the two sides are ‘significantly’ far apart," Hightower wrote. "Brissett has not attended any of the Cardinals' voluntary OTAs or the voluntary offseason program as he waits for a new contract for 2026, the second year of a two-year deal he signed in March 2025.”

With ongoing concerns around his contract, there is a high chance that he could attract interest from rival teams like the New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, and New England Patriots. 

As the Saints continue evaluating Tyler Shough after his first year, there is a high probability that the Saints will pursue Brissett before the season begins. Spencer Rattler and Zach Wilson also form one of the league’s weaker backup quarterback rooms.

A 10-year veteran, Brissett has amassed 14,766 yards and 76 touchdowns over the years. He can easily move ahead of both quarterbacks on the depth chart of the Saints roster and can help stabilize the team.

For the Jets, they have a definitive starting QB for the upcoming season after bringing Geno Smith back to the team. Still, they could also benefit from adding a dependable backup in Brissett.

Brady Cook, Cade Klubnik, and Bailey Zappe may not provide the assurance New York desires, which could lead them to pursue Brissett. 

The Patriots face a similar issue, with Drake Maye carrying most of the responsibility at quarterback for the 2025 Super Bowl contenders (with Tommy DeVito and Behren Morton being unreliable options). 

While rival franchises continue monitoring Brissett’s situation, Arizona may already be preparing an internal backup plan. 

New Cardinals Backup Option Receives Praise from Team OL

With the season set to begin in September, it will be crucial for the Cardinals and Brissett to look for other opportunities. There are a couple of franchises that want to bring Brissett into the roster. 

On the other hand, the Cardinals have also found out their backup QB option. Gardner Minshew could become the backup option.

According to a report by Bo Rack, a reporter of the Cardinals, Minshew was seen participating in the OTAs. Last week, his new teammate Hjalte Froholdt spoke about the addition to the team.

"Gardner's here. He's done a great job," the OL revealed. I think he has a lot of respect around the league...(He's) come on in with a great attitude, and he's a good dude."

The 30-year-old has featured in eight games or more games in four seasons out of his seven. In his two years with the Jacksonville Jaguars, he went 7-13 and had  5,530 passing yards and 37 touchdowns.

With training camps to begin, Brissett’s contract situation could force Arizona to make a major quarterback decision, while Gardner Minshew is eager for a larger role.

Read more at Quarter Back Central!

Written by

Evince Das

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote