Jacoby Brissett is playing hardball for more cash, and the Arizona Cardinals are staring down a full-blown quarterback crisis right now, heading straight into training camp with a massive problem on their hands. Forget talent, forget experience: the issue is Brissett wants a bigger payday for 2026.
The "Backup" Gig That Went Sideways
It all started before the 2025 season when Brissett inked a two-year deal for $12.5 million. The initial plan? He was supposed to be the backup for Kyler Murray. Come on, $6.25 million a year to dress out, chill on the sideline, and hold the tablet for just 17 weeks? That sounds like a pretty sweet deal to most of us. Brissett, a 6-foot-4, 235-pound veteran, was definitely used to that backup label, too. In his ten years in the league, he'd only been considered a full-time starter for two of those seasons, both with the Indianapolis Colts. Even there, they moved on and drafted Anthony Richardson in the first round instead. Later, with the Cleveland Browns, he started the first 11 games of the 2022 season, but that was only because Deshaun Watson was serving an 11-game suspension. Once Watson was back, Brissett was right back to playing "Candy Crush" on the tablet, collecting those game checks without the pressure. It’s a good way to extend your career, stay healthy, and still make serious bank.Murray's Exit and Brissett's Demand
But then Kyler Murray got hurt, big time, and the whole plan went sideways for Arizona. Brissett was suddenly thrown into the fire, playing the final 12 games of the season. Murray never came back, not even when his 21-day window opened, and eventually, the Cardinals straight-up released him. That game against the Jacksonville Jaguars back in November 2025? Brissett was under center when the Cardinals lost 27-24 in overtime. Fast forward to now, July 2026, and Brissett is apparently seeking a raise for this season. He's not even showing up to voluntary OTAs, and word is the Cardinals and Brissett are "significantly" far apart on negotiations. Talk about leverage, right? What happens next for the Cardinals? They've got to figure out who's going to be their signal-caller under center, and Brissett is making it crystal clear he won't be cheap. This situation has all the hallmarks of a messy start to their season. You gotta wonder if they'll cave or try to find another arm.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.