Jacoby Brissett

Kyler Murray is on injured reserve, but Murray could still return to the Cardinals in 2026, and a trade is not guaranteed. If Murray stays or returns healthy, Brissett reverts to backup status immediately.

Arizona's QB situation remains in flux with reports that the Cardinals are 'likely to move on' from Murray via trade, but retention is also possible. If Murray stays, Brissett immediately becomes a trade candidate with minimal value.

The Cardinals hold the #3 overall pick with QB among their top-listed needs. Even if they don't use it at 3, a Day 2 selection (Ty Simpson mocked in rounds 2-3) would begin a transition clock that displaces Brissett no later than 2027 — and possibly mid-2026 if the team stumbles out of the gate.

Brissett and the Cardinals are reported as 'significantly' far apart on a reworked deal and he's skipping offseason work; a prolonged holdout hands first-team reps to Beck and accelerates his own displacement.

Brissett is a 33-year-old bridge starter with no realistic multi-year dynasty relevance. Any remaining trade value is a 2026 superflex rental and should be extracted now by dynasty managers holding him.

Arizona drafted Carson Beck 65th overall (R3) in the 2026 NFL Draft as their long-term franchise QB. Though Beck is expected to sit in 2026, he represents an accelerating mid-season benching risk if Brissett struggles — particularly after Week 8.

Brissett's Cardinals offense has averaged 22.1 points per game since Week 6 with 372.1 total yards and 284.1 passing yards—nearly 100 yards more per game than under Murray in Weeks 1-5, reflecting strong offensive system fit.

Brissett passed for 3,366 yards and 23 touchdowns in 12 starts, demonstrating sufficient volume and production to hold starter value if Murray departs. Reports indicate Brissett could merit a mid-round pick trade return.

Brissett previously started under Frank Reich (Colts) and Kevin Stefanski (Browns)—both now in positions with teams needing QBs (Jets and Falcons), creating potential trade interest with familiar offensive minds.

If Murray stays with Arizona, Brissett becomes a workable trade candidate with coaching connections to Jets OC Frank Reich and Falcons HC Kevin Stefanski. His $4.88M salary makes him attractive as a veteran bridge option.

Brissett's supporting cast ranks among the best a bridge QB could inherit: Trey McBride (elite dynasty TE), Marvin Harrison Jr. (ascending WR1), and Trey Benson at RB give him a production floor that few journeymen enjoy — the weapons prop his numbers more than his talent does.

With Kyler Murray officially released in March 2026 and now signed with Minnesota, Brissett is the uncontested Week 1 starter. His 100% snap share and 14 starts in 2025 confirm the role is genuinely his to lose.