TEMPE, Ariz. — Jacoby Brissett’s offseason holdout is ending as he returns for the Arizona Cardinals’ mandatory minicamp, but the veteran quarterback’s status as the team’s starter and his contract situation remain unresolved, according to ESPN. A source told ESPN that Brissett has been seeking more guaranteed money for this season; he stayed away from the team all offseason and will be at the facility this week for meetings and the weight room, with it unclear whether he will practice.
Brissett went 1-11 as Arizona’s starter in 2025 after replacing an injured Kyler Murray in Week 6, a record opponents use to argue against his contract demands. ESPN outlined several possible outcomes facing Brissett: the Cardinals could rework his deal for the season, he could play on his current contract, or Arizona could trade or release him.
Statistics from Arizona’s nine-game losing streak suggest broader team issues beyond the quarterback position. From Weeks 10-18, the Cardinals’ defense allowed 35.2 points per game, the most in the NFL, and surrendered 378 yards per game, which ranked 31st, according to ESPN. During that span Arizona ranked last in defensive efficiency, opposing QBR and opposing touchdown-to-attempt percentage. Defensive coordinator Nick Rallis summed up the stretch: “It was bad ball.” He added, “There’s a lot of factors to that,” citing execution and schematic elements.
The Cardinals’ rushing attack also struggled during the downturn, per ESPN Research. From Weeks 10-18 Arizona was 32nd in total rushes and run yards after first contact, 31st in total run yards and rushing yards per game, 30th in rushing touchdowns and rushing first downs, and 29th in run yards before first contact.
Despite those team shortcomings, Brissett produced strong individual counting stats during the same stretch. From Weeks 10-18 he ranked first in the NFL in dropbacks, actual plays, completions and attempts; was tied for third in passing touchdowns; and was third in passing first downs and total passing yards. He ranked fourth in passing yards per game, fifth in completion percentage above expected and 12th in completion percentage. He also was among the most-hit quarterbacks and was sacked 29 times, which ranked 30th.
