The Arizona Cardinals kicked off their organized team activities (OTAs) on May 18, 2026, but one notable name was absent from the practice field. Veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who signed with the team this offseason, is continuing his holdout as he seeks a new contract, leaving head coach Mike LaFleur and his staff to work with the remaining quarterbacks on the roster.
According to reports from credible sources, including ESPN and team insiders, LaFleur addressed the situation with reporters after Monday's session, stating that negotiations with Brissett's camp have stalled -- "the same as where we were a few weeks ago," in the head coach's words. The stalemate has now extended into the critical early phase of the offseason program, with no clear sign of resolution in sight.
Brissett, 33, was brought in to provide veteran stability and competition at the quarterback position. His decision to hold out has disrupted the Cardinals' offseason plans, forcing adjustments amid the installation of a new offensive system. LaFleur, entering his first season as head coach, relies heavily on timing and precision from his quarterbacks in practice settings like OTAs.
The Contract Situation
When the Cardinals signed Brissett earlier this offseason, expectations were that he would compete for the starting job and mentor the younger quarterbacks on the roster. However, reports suggest Brissett is dissatisfied with the terms of his current deal--specifically in comparison to the contracts signed by other veteran quarterbacks recently.
While the exact details of Brissett's contract remain confidential, sources note he signed a two-year deal with a 2026 base salary around $4.88 million and only about $1.5 million guaranteed. Brissett is seeking a considerable raise and additional guarantees. Over his nine-year NFL career, he has started 48 games, compiling a career record of 18-30 as a starter. He is widely respected as a reliable backup capable of managing games effectively.
For a Cardinals team in transition--with a new head coach, revamped roster, and questions at key positions--a stable veteran presence at quarterback was prioritized. That plan now faces uncertainty as the standoff continues.
How the Cardinals Are Handling the Absence
With Brissett absent, the Cardinals have relied on their remaining quarterbacks: Gardner Minshew II, Kedon Slovis, and rookie Carson Beck. Minshew, acquired in a trade this offseason, has taken most of the first-team reps during OTAs. Known for his charisma and athleticism, Minshew has already earned praise from teammates.
"He's got that swagger, man," one player said after practice. "He comes in confident, gets everyone lined up, and makes the right reads. You can see why he's had success in this league."
Minshew has started 24 games in his career, posting a 12-12 record with 37 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. Though he lacks the prototypical size or arm strength of a franchise quarterback, he is known for playmaking and keeping drives alive. Should the holdout continue, Minshew could effectively assume the starting role heading into training camp.
Behind Minshew, Slovis--now in his second season with Arizona--remains a developmental prospect. Last preseason, he showed promise but has yet to solidify a starting role. Rookie Beck is viewed as a long-term investment and has impressed coaches with his arm talent and football IQ during early practices.
What This Means for the Cardinals' Offense
The timing of Brissett's holdout is far from ideal. LaFleur's offense, which emphasizes timing, precision, and quarterback mobility, demands extensive repetition and chemistry-building during offseason workouts. Missing the starting quarterback in OTAs hampers this process.
Though Brissett has experience in multiple offensive systems, the repetition and bonding built in voluntary workouts are irreplaceable. His absence affects not just the quarterback room, but also receivers like Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, and Kendrick Bourne, who need to develop timing with whoever is under center. Running backs James Conner and Tyler Allgeier require rhythm in passing-game scenarios, while the offensive line must build cohesion on protections and line calls.
Each day Brissett misses is a day those critical connections do not form.
Will the Cardinals Budge?
Key questions remain about whether the Cardinals will meet Brissett's demands or stand firm. General manager Monti Ossenfort has been proactive in reshaping the roster but has demonstrated a willingness to take tough stances on contract disputes.
Arizona has some salary cap flexibility but accommodating a sizable raise for Brissett may necessitate restructuring other deals or pushing cap charges into future years. The front office is mindful of managing the roster's long-term financial health, especially with several promising young players nearing extension eligibility.
From Brissett's perspective, he is betting on himself. At 33, this may be his last opportunity for a significant payday. If he believes other teams would offer more, he might sit out until Arizona agrees to his terms or explores trade options.
However, holdouts rarely favor the player in the long run. Missing time risks falling behind in competition and losing a starting role. The Cardinals have a viable alternative in Minshew and appear ready to pivot if necessary.
The Bigger Picture
This holdout is one piece of a larger puzzle for the 2026 Cardinals. Coming off a rebuilding campaign, the team seeks progress under LaFleur. Coordinated defensively by Nick Rallis, the unit has been revamped through additions like Josh Sweat, Baron Browning, and rookies Walter Nolen III and Damonic Williams. The secondary, anchored by Budda Baker and newcomer Will Johnson, could be a strength.
Yet none of that matters if the quarterback situation remains unsettled. The Cardinals need clarity under center soon.
If Brissett's holdout extends into training camp, Ossenfort may face tough decisions: accede to Brissett's demands, trade him, or proceed with Minshew as the starter. Depth remains sufficient to weather the absence, but losing a veteran leader would be a setback for a team aiming to ascend the NFC West standings.
For now, the Cardinals continue with the players on hand. Minshew commands the first-team reps; Slovis and Beck develop in support roles. Brissett remains sidelined, awaiting a resolution.
The ball is in both camps' courts. As OTAs proceed without him, pressure mounts on all parties. The Cardinals must find a quarterback; Brissett seeks a contract. Time is running out for compromise before training camp's real work begins.