The Arizona Cardinals and quarterback Jacoby Brissett have resolved their offseason contract standoff, with the journeyman signal-caller securing a significant pay bump heading into the 2026 season.
Brissett will now earn $15.5 million in base salary next year, up from the $4.88 million he was originally scheduled to make, according to multiple reports. The deal can reach $21 million with performance incentives.
The raise marks a turning point for Brissett after he skipped the Cardinals' spring workouts but reported on time for training camp — a signal that both sides were working toward a resolution.
Brissett's case for the raise was straightforward: after the Cardinals released Pro Bowl quarterback Kyler Murray, who subsequently signed with the Minnesota Vikings, Brissett became the clear starter. During the 2025 season, he took over when Murray suffered a foot injury and operated the offense more efficiently than the injured incumbent, boosting the production of pass-catchers like tight end Trey McBride and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.
Unlike players staging traditional holdouts demanding new long-term extensions, Brissett was seeking an adjustment to his current deal — a less common negotiating tactic. Still, his argument carried weight: the Cardinals had cut Murray and handed Brissett the keys to their offense.
New Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur inherited this situation after Jonathan Gannon's firing. LaFleur's first major roster move was the Murray release, which effectively elevated Brissett to franchise starter status. The organization also drafted Miami's Carson Beck and signed veteran Gardner Minshew II, creating competition at the position for training camp.
The agreement means Brissett is now fully integrated into camp activities. He is expected to participate in 11-on-11 practice sessions after working out with teammates and newcomers, including third overall draft pick Jeremiyah Love from Notre Dame, during the holdout.
Still, the raise doesn't guarantee Brissett the Week 1 starting job against the Los Angeles Chargers. He must compete with Minshew and Beck, though his established chemistry with the team's top receivers gives him a significant edge.
For Brissett, the settlement represents vindication in a tense few weeks. The 33-year-old has journeyed through multiple NFL stops — San Diego, Indianapolis, Cleveland, Buffalo and New England — before landing in Arizona. Securing a meaningful raise while competing for a starting role represents one of his best career opportunities.
