Alright, so the biggest question mark down in Arizona is who’s gonna be slinging the rock for the Cardinals now that the Kyler Murray era is officially done. And get this: first-year coach Mike LaFleur’s initial task is figuring out that starting QB job, but the answer sure isn’t clear right now. Veteran Jacoby Brissett, who started the final 12 games last season, was initially favored for the role. But he pulled a no-show for offseason workouts, all because he was cheesed about his contract situation. Now, though, he participated in Thursday’s workout, which is a massive signal that a new deal might be close!
The QB Battle Just Got Real
Brissett’s return means the quarterback competition just went from simmering to full-boil. He’s in a three-man race with veteran Gardner Minshew and rookie Carson Beck. When LaFleur was asked to describe the battle, he gave the most coach-speak answer ever: “I’d describe it as practice one on July 23.” Thanks for the clarity, coach! Brissett, at 33, is in the final year of a $12.5 million, two-year deal, but only a measly $1.5 million of that is guaranteed. If he ends up as the starter, he’d be one of the lowest-paid QBs in the entire league. Last season, Brissett put up good individual stats with 3,366 yards passing, 23 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Solid numbers, right? Except the Cardinals went a dismal 1-11 in his starts, finishing last in the NFC West with a 3-14 record.
But here’s where it gets spicy: star safety Budda Baker wasn’t quiet about his feelings earlier this month. He posted on social media, “Just want bro to get his (expletive) done… he is not asking for what you think. Bro is asking for below the bare minimum. Let’s just get it done!!!” And Baker stood by that statement on Thursday! He added, “I definitely think Jacoby did a great job coming in last year. I know we didn’t get the wins that we wanted to get, but I think he commanded the offense at a high level.” You love to see a teammate stick up for his guy like that.
Big Names on the PUP List
It’s not just the QB situation turning heads at camp. The Cardinals opened training camp with starting left tackle Paris Johnson (knee) and star edge rusher Josh Sweat (knee) on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. These aren’t depth guys; Johnson is entering his fourth season as a starter, and Sweat had a career-high 12 sacks last season. Those are two huge pieces for any team! LaFleur tried to downplay it, saying the Paris thing is “really, honestly nothing,” just “maintenance stuff” and he’ll be back “before you know it.” Same for Sweat, with LaFleur adding he’s “fired up” and “looked really good.” They can’t practice yet, but they still count towards the 90-man training camp roster limit and can rejoin practice anytime during the preseason. Other guys on the PUP list, cornerback Garrett Williams (Achilles tendon) and Tip Reiman (ankle), are still recovering from serious injuries from last season.
So, the Cardinals’ training camp is already off to a wild start. The QB competition is intense, there are key players on the mend, and frankly, LaFleur’s first training camp has been overshadowed by even more off-the-field issues in the past few weeks. The NFL suspended personnel executive Ryan Gold indefinitely on July 17 for a violation, which is just another headache. Look, this team has a lot to sort out, and fast, if they want to turn things around. That QB battle is gonna be appointment viewing, and how quickly those PUP list guys get back on the field will be huge for LaFleur’s debut season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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