Cardinals have reportedly decided on starting quarterback after Gardner Minshew move

The Arizona Cardinals are in the early days of a new era for the franchise, as they will officially part ways with former starting quarterback Kyler Murray after the new league year opens this coming Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET. 

Previous stories linked the Cardinals with Green Bay Packers backup Malik Willis and Los Angeles Rams backup/journeyman Jimmy Garoppolo. Thus, some were surprised to learn on Monday that Arizona had come to terms on a one-year agreement with former Kansas City Chiefs QB2 Gardner Minshew. 

It seems as if the Minshew move shows how new Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur truly feels about Jacoby Brissett, who ended the 2025 season as Arizona's starter. 

Is Jacoby Brissett already a winner of free agency? 

According to Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro and ESPN's Adam Schefter, Minshew is on track to begin springtime workouts as Brissett's primary backup on the Cardinals' depth chart. 

Previous stories mentioned that Willis could be handed the Arizona starting job this spring. Instead, he and the Miami Dolphins reportedly agreed to a three-year, $67.5M contract that includes $45M in fully guaranteed money.

Meanwhile, Ben Volin of the Boston Globe reported that "talks between the Cardinals and Jimmy Garoppolo hit a snag, prompting the Cards to pivot to Gardner Minshew." It's unclear if Garoppolo wanted an opportunity to win a starting job that may or may not have already been promised to Brissett. 

Cardinals clearly didn't want to lose Jacoby Brissett

A report from early February indicated that the New York Jets could want to acquire Brissett and then start him later this year. However, Brissett is under contract for next season, and it now seems like the 33-year-old won't be going anywhere. 

According to Pro Football Reference, Brissett ended this past regular season ranked 33rd in the NFL among qualified players with a 41.2 adjusted QBR and tied for 15th with a 94.1 passer rating. He won only one of 12 starts, but he did toss 23 touchdown passes with only eight interceptions over 14 total appearances. 

Barring an unexpected development, it appears Brissett will spend at least the next handful of months cemented atop Arizona's depth chart.