Jacoby Brissett isn’t participating in 11-on-11 drills right now, and if you’re a Cardinals fan, that’s got to feel like a gut punch. This isn’t some minor setback, folks. This is your presumptive Week 1 starter sitting out crucial reps, and it’s all about the money.
The Contract Conundrum That’s Stalling Everything
So, what’s the deal here? Brissett’s dissatisfaction with his current contract is clear as day. When he inked that deal, he was apparently under the impression he’d be the backup. Fast forward to today, and he’s now the guy expected to lead the charge from Week 1. That changes the entire landscape for him, doesn’t it? He’s seeking an adjustment, and honestly, who wouldn’t be?
He’s currently pulling in $6.5 million per year. Now, compare that to what veteran starting quarterbacks are making across the league. We’re talking a range that kicks off in the low $20 millions and rockets all the way up to $60 millions. Darren Urban, from the team’s official website, confirmed Brissett’s non-participation, so this isn’t just idle chatter. It’s a real issue. The article even floated the idea of tripling his pay to $19.5 million. Think about that: it would still make him the lowest-paid veteran starter, but it would be a significant bump from what he’s currently due. Is that a compromise they can make? It certainly feels like a steal if it gets your starting QB fully engaged.
Sky-High Stakes for Arizona’s Season
This isn’t just about a player wanting more cash. Missing 11-on-11 drills is HUGE for any quarterback, let alone one trying to get on the same page with a brand-new coaching staff and a completely new offensive scheme. How do you build chemistry with your receivers, your O-line? How do you truly internalize the playbook’s nuances if you’re not getting those live reps with the guys you’ll be on the field with when the season kicks off? Every single snap, every practice rep, is critical for establishing that rhythm.
And let’s not forget the division they play in. The Cardinals are stuck in a brutal division with three Super Bowl contenders. That’s not a typo, *three* Super Bowl contenders! The margin for error is already paper-thin. Every ounce of preparation, every moment of cohesion, is absolutely vital. They need Brissett to be firing on all cylinders, to have a complete grasp of the offense, and to have built that rapport with his teammates. Right now, every day he’s not participating in those drills is a day they’re falling further behind in that incredibly tough race.
This situation needs a resolution, and it needs it yesterday. The Cardinals cannot afford to let this contract dispute drag on. They have to find a way to get their presumptive starting quarterback fully integrated and ready to go if they want any shot at competing in that gauntlet of a division. The season is right around the corner, and the clock is ticking.
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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