Revenge of the Birds
The Arizona Cardinals have a quarterback problem going into this year’s training camp.
Not enough bodies? No. None of the guys has any talent? Nope. Need players who have more NFL experience? Que va!
RELATED: CARDINALS & BRISSETT ‘SIGNIFICANTLY’ FAR APART
The problem then? Last year’s starter, Jacoby Brissett, wants to be paid more going into 2026.
He signed a two-year deal before the 2025 season for $12.5 million. The premise was that Brissett would be starting QB Kyler Murray’s backup. $6.25 million is a good haul to dress out, stand on the sideline, and hold the tablet for just 17 weeks out of the calendar year.
Besides, Brissett (6’-4”, 235 pounds) was used to the backup QB label. In his 10 years in the league, he has only been considered the starter for two of those seasons while with the Indianapolis Colts. Instead of keeping him on, they drafted QB Anthony Richardson in the first round instead and moved on.
While with the Cleveland Browns, Brissett started the first 11 games of the 2022 season. Isn’t that considered him being the starter? However, their starting QB, Deshaun Watson, was on an 11-game suspension. Once Week 11 came and went, Watson played the remainder of the schedule while Brissett played “Candy Crush” on the tablet along the sideline as he collected game checks.
Every professional player wants to start. But a lot of guys are just as happy getting those direct deposits every two weeks while only practicing. There isn’t any pressure to win for the backup. It is also a lot better for your body in the long run, and on Monday morning, trying to get out of bed. Many a backup made great money, stayed in the league a long time, became vested, and hung up his cleats without long-term knee or CTE problems.
We here at Revenge of the Birds vote to be paid $6.25 million and never write a single word, but have the keyboard all dusted off at the ready. And remember, that deal is only for 17 weeks. Find us drinking a Mai Tai or a Gold Miner Single Barrel 13-year rum and Coke somewhere warm during those other months.
Editor’s note: We used to drink Captain Morgan or the cheaper Gold Miner Single Barrel 6-year rum, but hey, now we don’t worry about the bill, eh?
After Murray became injured, Brissett took over and played the final 12 games. Murray never returned to the lineup, or at least the Cardinals did not bring him back when his 21-day window opened, and then the franchise released him.
Then Mike LaFleur was hired. He stated that he didn’t want to go through a lengthy QB battle, so before any of the OTAs, he gave Brissett his blessing and named him the starting quarterback.
Already in the QB room was holdover Kedon Slovin (6’-2”, 223 pounds). In free agency, GM Monti Ossenfort made a concerted effort to find a dependable, experienced backup...
