Cardinals' Carson Beck has plan for possibly competing with Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew II for starting job

Some believe that the Arizona Cardinals should be all-in on starting 2026 third-round draft pick Carson Beck at quarterback over journeymen Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew II this year. 

There's currently no indication that first-year Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur is in favor of such a plan. While speaking with reporters on Thursday, Beck insisted that he is simply trying to "enjoy the process" of learning about life in the NFL during Arizona's rookie minicamp.

Carson Beck would love to play right away but also understands his role

"Even if I were to be the guy at some point, you are constantly learning, through game experience, through past experience, meetings, just talking to guys around the facility, you're trying to get breadcrumbs from each and every person," Beck explained about his mindset, per Darren Urban of the Cardinals' website. "There's only one guy out there (at quarterback). … Obviously, I would love to play and perform, but again, we'll see where it takes me."

As Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' website noted, Beck made a total of 43 starts during what became a six-year college career. On paper, such experience could make him more prepared to be a Week 1 starter as a rookie compared to other signal-callers drafted back in April. 

"Experience is nothing," Beck remarked, "if there is no application from the lessons that you've learned from the experiences."

Carson Beck is grateful for "priceless" experiences

Brissett has skipped the voluntary portion of the offseason program as he seeks an adjusted contract. While reports have indicated he will remain atop the Arizona depth chart through at least September, the fact that Beck is a 24-year-old who is no stranger to serving as a full-time QB1 has led some to suggest he doesn't need to develop as a backup. 

Meanwhile, Beck doesn't seem bitter about the fact that his pro career began later than he likely expected. 

"I think everybody has to run their own race," Beck added during his comments. "Those three years I had of playing and starting (in college) are priceless."

Those experiences could truly prove to be priceless if he plays this fall and immediately looks like a capable NFL starter.