Trey McBride breaks silence on Cardinals possibly starting Carson Beck in Week 1

Whispers surfaced in June suggesting that first-year Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur hasn't yet completely slammed the door shut on the idea of naming 2026 third-round draft pick Carson Beck the team's Week 1 starting quarterback after veteran Jacoby Brissett stayed away from the club throughout voluntary springtime workouts amid his desire for a pay raise. 

During a recent appearance on the "Bussin' With The Boys" podcast, Cardinals tight end Trey McBride discussed whether or not Beck has a legitimate chance of beginning the season as Arizona's QB1.

Carson Beck can be "a guy" for the Cardinals, but...

"I don't know about [starting] Week 1 unless something crazy happens, but he definitely has a chance to be a guy for sure," McBride said about Beck, per Bobby Kownack of the NFL's website. 

McBride previously mentioned that he and his teammates were "excited" that Brissett attended mandatory minicamp sessions in June. However, Jess Root of Cardinals Wire/USA Today noted as recently as Thursday that it's unknown if Brissett will hold out if he doesn't receive a restructured contract before training camps open later this month. 

The Cardinals also have journeyman veteran Gardner Minshew II in their quarterback room. Presumably, he will enter training camp as the club's QB2 ahead of Beck. That said, it's assumed Beck could be given a chance to rise up the depth chart during preseason games if he impresses during summer practices. 

Carson Beck looked like "a stud" during springtime workouts

"He looks like a tight end," McBride added about Beck. "I'm like s---, bigger than me, you know? But, no, he's a stud. He throws the ball really well. I think he has a chance to be a really good player in this league."

According to ESPN's Josh Weinfuss, Brissett "was told by the Cardinals after free agency that he was their starting quarterback." There has been no indication that LaFleur and Co. have had second thoughts about their depth chart, but it's also worth pointing out that Brissett's history suggests the 33-year-old isn't a long-term answer for any team. 

Thus, the door may be at least slightly open for Beck to compete for the starting job through late August.