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The raise quarterback Jacoby Brissett was looking for was finally given to him by the Arizona Cardinals.
Unlike most hold-ins/hold-outs, Brissett wasn’t looking for another extension from his club, but rather a raise heading into the 2026 NFL season, where he projects to be the starting quarterback. He was set to earn $4.88 million as his base salary.
Now, Brissett is set to make $15.5 million in base salary for 2026, according to multiple reports. The new 2026 contract could also get up to $21 million in incentives.
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Jacoby Brissett #7 of the Arizona Cardinals warms up before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio on December 28, 2025. (Getty Images)
This impasse between the journeyman quarterback and the Cardinals sparked some debate about whether it was even right for Brissett to ask for a raise.
But after the release of Kyler Murray, who eventually signed with the Minnesota Vikings, Brissett was in line to be a starter, and he wanted to be paid accordingly. His new deal isn’t anywhere near the best starting money, but Brissett seems happy to finally get to common ground.
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Brissett opted out of the Cardinals’ spring training, although he reported to training camp on time. Because of the latter decision, he and the Cardinals were expected to reach an agreement soon.
It’s another regime change for the Cardinals, with Mike LaFleur taking on the head coaching role left vacant by the firing of Jonathan Gannon. Brissett sits atop the depth chart after the Murray cut, while Arizona drafted Miami quarterback Carson Beck and signed Gardner Minshew II for training camp competition.
Jacoby Brissett of the Arizona Cardinals looks on during mandatory minicamp at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe, Arizona on June 9, 2026. (Getty Images)
Brissett took over the starting duties in the 2025 season after Murray suffered a foot injury. It wasn’t long before Brissett ran the Cardinals’ offense more effectively than his injured teammate, with players like tight end Trey McBride and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. saw an increase in their own stat lines.
Brissett is scheduled for free agency after this season, but maybe he can stay in good favor with the Cardinals with another good year. The offense around him was also beefed up, especially with Notre Dame running back Jeremiah Love drafted third overall back in April.
Brissett has been working out with his teammates to begin training camp, including newcomers like Love, but he hasn’t participated in 11-on-11 practice sessions. That should change now after the increase agreement.
But the salary increase doesn’t necessarily mean Brissett is guaranteed the starting role in Week 1 against the Los Angeles Chargers. He’ll have to earn that spot over Minshew and Beck, though he has the necessary rapport with the team’s best passing options to believe he’ll do just that.
Jacoby Brissett #7 of the Arizona Cardinals delivers the ball during a game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., on Jan. 4, 2026. (Getty Images)
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The Cardinals and Carolina Panthers were the first full teams to report to training camp as the new season gets underway in earnest. The rest of the league will have their veterans arriving on July 28, making this the week where position battles take flight across the NFL.
