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Cardinals' QB Competition Beginning To Unfold With Notable Candidates

Brissett, Minshew, and Beck leading it.
May 8, 2026; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur (left) with general manager Monti Ossenfort during rookie minicamp at Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
May 8, 2026; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur (left) with general manager Monti Ossenfort during rookie minicamp at Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

One of the shocking storylines coming out of Arizona is the fact that the Cardinals have three quarterbacks rostered, and while that may not seem shocking, the competition for the starting spot is pretty competitive.

Jacoby Brissett, who started 12 games for Arizona last season, Gardner Minshew, and Carson Beck are the big three headed into training camp that are competing for that No. 1 starter spot. Brissett, who went 1–11 in his starts with the team last season, is by far the favorite to hold it down come Week 1, considering his numbers weren’t bad by any means.

Brissett, 33, threw for 3,366 yards and 23 touchdowns with only eight interceptions, just proving to everyone that despite the win-loss record, he was still the guy who could help take the offense to the next level.

Gardner Minshew, on the other hand, only started in one game in the absence of Patrick Mahomes with the Kansas City Chiefs. It wouldn’t be a shock if he were a cut candidate come training camp.

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The most intriguing guy coming into camp is Carson Beck, whom the Cardinals took a chance on in the third round at pick No. 65. Beck, who led the Miami Hurricanes to a National Championship appearance just a year ago, is still unsigned, as he and his agent have not come to terms with the Cardinals organization on a fair rookie contract.

Obviously, the two sides will come to terms on something, but the fact that we approach July and no deal has been reached is a little surprising.

These are the three big candidates for the Cardinals’ starting spot, and where things stand as we near camp.

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