Mar 30, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Cardinals Reveal Why They Signed Free Agent QB

Originally posted on Arizona Cardinals on SI
By Donnie Druin | Last updated Apr 1, 2026 8:43 PM ET

The Arizona Cardinals' quarterback position has been the talk of the town since free agency began.

Not in the good way.

It was a tough but needed choice to part ways with franchise passer Kyler Murray after seven years, though the path, particularly this offseason, to finding the heir to his throne.

The quarterback market was dry, with Malik Willis headlining its class and a steep drop-off after in terms of intrigue or play.

After swinging and missing on Willis and Jimmy Garoppolo, the Cardinals quickly pivoted to free agent quarterback Gardner Minshew.

Speaking at the NFL owner's meetings this week, head coach Mike LaFleur revealed what led Arizona to the passer:

"I've known Gardner for a long time, I coached him at the Senior Bowl. Back when he was going in back in 2019," LaFleur told ESPN's Peter Schrager.

LaFleur said he and Minshew sat on an impromptu Facetime call for four hours going over the playbook before the quarterback even touched down in Mobile for the All-Star game.

"That's just who he is. That's why he's been able to have the career that he's had. He's got a lot of respect in this league and we just thought the experience that he's had, it made sense."

The first "big" move of the Mike LaFleur Era was the signing of Gardner Minshew.

The acquisition made little national news and LaFleur had never coached him in the NFL.

But there's history. And it's a great story. @JimNagy_Sooners @GardnerMinshew5 @AZCardinals @LauraRutledge pic.twitter.com/GUgymjlrbC
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) April 1, 2026

Minshew, a sixth-round pick, made the Pro Bowl back in 2023 and has nearly 50 starts under his belt but has since turned into a backup.

That again will be the case for 2026, as Jacoby Brissett has the reigns in the desert.

Both are currently scheduled to be free agents after 2026.

"Let's call it what it is: The quarterback position is the most important position in all of sports," LaFleur continued at the meetings.

"We know that. So there were lengthy conversations in so many different aspects of it, and there will continue to be until we figure out how we have the most perfect room possible. I like where we're at right now but like we said, if there's a guy to add, we're going to add [him]."

This article first appeared on Arizona Cardinals on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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