Jacoby Brissett and the Arizona Cardinals have officially resolved their differences, striking a new deal that puts Brissett firmly in the driver’s seat as the team’s default starting quarterback for the upcoming season. This isn’t just a handshake agreement either; we’re talking about a serious financial commitment that reflects his unexpected rise to the top of the depth chart.
From Backup Hope to QB1 Payday
Remember when Brissett inked that two-year deal back in 2025? It was supposed to be a backup gig, a solid veteran presence behind Kyler Murray. But sometimes the NFL just throws you a curveball. Brissett was thrust into the starting role during the regular season, proving he could handle the pressure. Fast forward to 2026, and he’s not just a fill-in, he’s entered the season as the *default* QB1. That kind of promotion demands a new kind of contract, and the Cardinals are finally stepping up.
The new agreement via ESPN reports Brissett’s base salary now jumps to a significant $15.5 million. And hey, there’s even a chance for him to push that up to $21 million with incentives. That’s a massive leap from the $6.5 million annual average he was making under his prior deal! Sure, Ian Rapoport of ESPN pointed out it’s on the lower end of the veteran starter scale, but let’s be real, a $9 million potential bump in base pay isn’t something you sneeze at. It’s a clear signal from the team that Brissett is *their guy* right now.
Time to Put in the Work
This whole situation wasn’t without its own little bit of tension, though. While Brissett never went full holdout from training camp, he hadn’t exactly been diving into the 11-on-11 drills either. You can’t blame a player for wanting his contract to match his responsibilities, especially when you’re suddenly QB1. That non-participation showed the stakes, the seriousness of his position.
But now? All that’s in the past. With the new deal firmly in place, the focus shifts entirely to the field. Brissett will start putting in the serious work required to lead this team as their undisputed starter for the coming season. It’s time for him to integrate fully, build chemistry, and prepare to take command.
This new deal settles the Cardinals’ immediate quarterback situation and ensures their new QB1 is properly compensated. All eyes will be on Brissett now as he prepares to lead the charge this season, ready to prove he’s worth every penny of that new contract.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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