The Arizona Cardinals told Jacoby Brissett he’s their guy at quarterback for the upcoming season, but guess what? The 33-year-old signal-caller wants a salary that actually reflects that starting job, and right now, it ain’t happening. Brissett is staring down a contract year with a base salary of just $4.9 million, a number that puts him 26th among quarterbacks in total cash for the year, according to Spotrac. Think about that, he’s barely above Indianapolis backup Anthony Richardson Sr. who’s still on his rookie deal! This whole mess is going down right as NFL rookies report to training camp, and it’s a huge problem for a team trying to find its footing.
Arizona’s QB Chaos and a Star Receiver’s Dire Situation
If the Cardinals can’t get a new agreement worked out with Brissett, they’re looking at Gardner Minshew II or rookie third-rounder Carson Beck under center. Let’s be real, the Cardinals are probably going to struggle no matter who’s throwing the ball. But Brissett is the most experienced quarterback on their roster, which means he gives them their absolute best shot at being competitive. This isn’t just about Brissett’s pay, though. It’s a make-or-break third year for wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.’s development, and you need a stable hand at QB for a young star like that to truly shine. This contract dispute isn’t just a minor tweak; it’s a huge cloud hanging over their most promising offensive player.
Meanwhile, on the defensive side, Josh Sweat needs out of Arizona, and he’s not keeping it a secret. He’s played most of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles, a team that knows how to contend for the playoffs. Now, the Cardinals have fired Jonathan Gannon, who coached Sweat in Philly, and ESPN’s Dan Graziano reports Sweat is just flat-out unhappy. This isn’t even about money; he reportedly just wants off Arizona’s rebuild project with a new coaching staff. Sweat will hit 30 next year, and the Cardinals are nowhere near playoff contention. It’s smart business for them to trade him for a Day 2 pick in next year’s draft. After a season with a career-high 12 sacks and 28 pressures, Sweat should fetch a strong early-round pick from some pass-rusher-needy team like the Chicago Bears.
Baltimore Swinging Big For Another Veteran WR
Over in the AFC, the Baltimore Ravens are reportedly sniffing around another veteran wideout: Stefon Diggs. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler says at least five teams are in the hunt for Diggs, and Baltimore is definitely in the mix. The Ravens have a history of bringing in big-name veteran receivers in the twilight of their careers, remember Sammy Watkins, DeSean Jackson, Odell Beckham Jr., Nelson Agholor, and DeAndre Hopkins? Diggs is coming off a 1,000-plus-yard season and believes he’s the league’s best No. 2 receiver. He could be a fantastic complement to two-time Pro Bowler Zay Flowers in first-time play-caller Declan Doyle’s offense. With tight end Mark Andrews heading into his age-31 campaign, the Ravens desperately need another reliable pass-catcher who can move the chains. Diggs has averaged fewer than 12 yards per reception in three straight terms but had an impressive 83.3 percent catch rate last season. He might not be the deep threat he once was, but that catch rate shows he’s still got the hands.
As teams tweak rosters before those padded practices kick off, these situations are the ones that could define seasons. Brissett’s contract, Sweat’s trade, Diggs to the Ravens, these aren’t small adjustments. These are crucial moves, or lack thereof, that could set the tone for success or struggle when training camps really get rolling. You gotta wonder which team is making the right call to truly gear up for a competitive year.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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