Jacoby Brissett showed up to Arizona Cardinals practice ready for light work, but it was the team’s move that threw the real haymaker. Coach Mike LaFleur says negotiations are “ongoing” with Brissett, but putting Minshew in with the first-team right away? That’s not just a message, that’s a full-blown billboard telling Brissett he ain’t getting his $15 million.
The GM’s Only Bright Spot?
Let’s talk about Monti Ossenfort for a second. The dude’s sitting on a 15-36 record in three seasons, and his team is staring down the barrel of being the worst in the league in Year 4. With a brutal early-season schedule, former beat writer Kyle Odegard even speculates he could be out before Halloween, and he’d be shocked if Ossenfort is around for a fifth year. Seriously, who keeps a GM with that kind of run? But here’s the kicker: Odegard, who used to work for the Cardinals, actually *praised* Ossenfort for his work in contract negotiations this offseason. That’s a first, apparently, and it’s the one glimmer of savvy coming out of Tempe.
Brissett’s $15 Million Problem and Other Practice Drama
The Minshew move wasn’t just a mind game. The Cardinals spoke volumes, making it clear: “We may toss you a few bucks, Jacoby, but nowhere near what you’re asking.” And honestly, it’s the smart play. Let’s be real, the Cardinals aren’t exactly set to win a ton of games this season with or without Brissett. He’s got zero leverage. Ossenfort has to hold his ground, no matter how much noise starts buzzing around. The team chased replacements everywhere, even drafted Carson Beck, and only then begrudgingly made it look like Brissett might be the starter. For him to hold onto that job, he’d need to start at least six games, keep them competitive, and actually win some. If they’re 1-5 or worse, even if they are “competitive” in some games like last year, the calls for a change are going to be deafening. Why pay “starter money” for a guy who might only start eight games? They might bump him to the $8-10 million range, sure, but his $15 million demand? Forget about it. Oh, and Paris Johnson Jr. is on the PUP list with a “minor knee issue.” Convenient timing, huh? Meanwhile, Michael Wilson is out there doing everything, and Josh Sweat? Who knows what’s up with that guy.
So, while fans can grab free tickets to open training camp practices today (4:00-5:45 p.m.) and Sunday (1:45-3 p.m.) and see some action, the real drama is happening off the field for the Cardinals. This team’s staring down a tough season, and how Ossenfort handles these player situations could be the one thing that keeps him from getting the boot. It’s a messy situation, and this early season drama is just getting started for them.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Revenge of the Birds.
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