TEMPE, Ariz. — The numbers lie. Or maybe they don’t. That is the headache facing the Arizona Cardinals front office as the clock ticks toward the March 11 league year kickoff. Jacoby Brissett, thrust into the spotlight after Kyler Murray’s foot injury, managed to construct the best statistical season of his career while simultaneously captaining a sinking ship. 23 touchdowns. 3,366 yards. And a disastrous 1-11 record as a starter.
With the legal negotiating window opening March 9, Arizona isn’t just looking at a backup quarterback controversy; they are staring down a fundamental roster philosophy crisis.
The Empty Calorie Season?
Brissett did his job on paper. Stepping in on a two-year deal inked last offseason, he executed the offense with a 64.9% completion rate and protected the football, tossing only eight interceptions against those 23 scores. For a backup, that is elite production.
But the scoreboard tells a darker story. The Cardinals went 0-9 in their final nine games. While the defense deserves its share of the blame, Brissett’s inability to elevate the team in high-leverage moments—the “gotta have it” drives—was glaring. He piled up yards between the 20s but couldn’t find the killer instinct when the game hung in the balance.
The Mike LaFleur Factor
New Head Coach Mike LaFleur walks into a building with a unique dilemma. Does he stick with the veteran who knows the system but can’t buy a win? Or does he blow it up?
Here is the financial reality:
- 2026 Salary: $4.9 million
- Bonus Proration: $2 million
- Total Cap Hit: ~$9.2 million
That is a reasonable price tag for a high-end bridge starter, which makes Brissett a fascinating trade chip. If a QB-needy team misses out in the draft or free agency, Brissett’s contract looks like a bargain compared to the exploding market rates for starters.
“This league is about winning. Stats are for the agents. We know Jacoby battled, but 1-11 keeps you up at night. We have to find a way to finish.”
— Anonymous Cardinals Offensive Veteran
What’s Next: The March 11 Deadline
The Cardinals hold all the cards. Kyler Murray is the elephant in the room, but Brissett is the immediate domino. If Arizona believes Murray will be ready for Week 1, keeping Brissett as the league’s most expensive insurance policy makes sense. However, if LaFleur wants to recoup assets to rebuild the defense, moving Brissett before the draft could net a mid-round pick.
Expect the Cardinals to field calls. Brissett proved he can play. Now Arizona has to decide if he can win.
