Trouble in Arizona? Carson Beck's Path to QB1 Clears Amid Jacoby Brissett Standoff
On Friday, ESPN reported that the Arizona Cardinals and veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett are "significantly" apart in negotiations to rework the final year of his contract for 2026.
The widening gap now raises fresh questions about whether Brissett, who has not reported to the team's voluntary offseason program, will attend next week's voluntary OTAs.
While not mandatory, Arizona's OTA sessions would be a valuable opportunity for Brissett to get reps in Mike LaFleur's new offense, build timing with his receivers, and strengthen his grip on the starting quarterback job ahead of training camp.
Missing that time delays the process and potentially creates an opportunity for somebody else to gain ground.
Enter Carson Beck.
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Arizona drafted Beck with the No. 65 overall pick in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, and while the expectation was that he would develop behind Brissett, the current situation could force a change of plans.
The 6-foot-5 quarterback spent five seasons at Georgia, helping the Bulldogs win two national championships before eventually taking over as the full-time starter.
In 2023, he broke out with 3,941 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, a 72.4% completion rate, and Second-Team All-SEC honors, putting himself firmly in the conversation as one of the top prospects in college football.
But rather than enter the NFL Draft, Beck returned to Georgia for the 2024 season, leading the Bulldogs to an 11-2 record and an SEC title.
He then delayed his NFL jump once more, transferring to Miami, where he delivered arguably his best season.
In his lone year with the Hurricanes, Beck threw for 3,813 yards, 30 touchdowns, and completed 72.4% of his passes, earning Third-Team All-ACC honors.
He guided Miami through the College Football Playoff to its first national championship game appearance in 24 years while showcasing the size, pocket presence, accuracy, and experience that made him one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects in the 2026 draft class.
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Brissett remains the presumed QB1, while veteran Gardner Minshew sits in the mix as an experienced insurance policy, and Beck is the rookie challenger.
But presumed starters can lose ground quickly in today's NFL, and Arizona’s offseason is moving fast.
OTAs are already underway, mandatory minicamp starts in June, and training camp is just a few weeks after that.
If Brissett's contract standoff drags deeper into the summer, Beck could stack valuable first-team and second-team reps while learning Arizona’s new system, putting him in a prime position to steal the job outright.
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This story was originally published May 22, 2026 at 4:05 PM.