LaFleur Keeps Cardinals Quarterback Picture on the Back Burner

Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur isn’t fretting about the starting quarterback job right now. The bigger issues sit elsewhere as the offseason program closes.

“I’m not really concerned about QB1 right now,” LaFleur said Wednesday, according to team writer Darren Urban. “I’m concerned about these guys reporting to training camp. Really, I’m concerned about them for the next 40 days and what they are doing. You can’t take steps backward, and that’s not just the quarterbacks. That’s all these guys.”

“We don’t play again until September. It is June, whatever-it-is. Not worried about the QB depth chart right now.”

— Mike LaFleur, Cardinals head coach

LaFleur canceled the final day of minicamp on Wednesday after the team had completed 10 practices across the last couple of months. The decision fits the message he delivered: protect the players, stay sharp, and avoid any regression before the real work starts in training camp.

Brissett’s Status and Contract Picture

Jacoby Brissett entered the offseason as the expected starter. The Cardinals had reportedly told the 33-year-old he would hold that role in 2026. Instead, contract talks stalled. His current deal carries a $6.3 million average annual salary that ranks near the bottom among NFL starters. Brissett skipped the voluntary portion of the offseason program in May while the sides worked on a new agreement.

He reported for mandatory minicamp but stayed on the sidelines and did not take part in drills. Gardner Minshew, signed to a one-year, $8.25 million deal in March, took the majority of first-team repetitions during the spring sessions.

Brissett stepped into the starting role for the final 12 games of the 2025 season and finished 1-11. He threw for 3,366 yards with 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions during that stretch. Those numbers showed what he can produce when given the ball, yet the team still finished near the bottom of the league standings.

Minshew Seizes Early Opportunity

Minshew has used the extra work to his advantage. The veteran has brought steady presence and energy to the quarterback room while the competition sorts itself out. His one-year pact gives the Cardinals flexibility and keeps him motivated to perform at a high level in a new system under LaFleur.

The situation carries extra weight for a player who has carved out a career by making the most of every opportunity. Minshew now sits in the middle of Arizona’s plans as the team builds toward training camp.

Beck and Slovis Add Youth to the Room

Third-round pick Carson Beck arrived from Miami after leading the Hurricanes to the national title game in his final college season. He joins Kedon Slovis on the depth chart and will spend the summer learning LaFleur’s offense and adjusting to NFL speed. Both young quarterbacks represent long-term pieces, but neither is being rushed into the spotlight during these early stages.

LaFleur’s background as the former Rams offensive coordinator gives him a clear vision for how he wants the position to operate. Still, he has shown no interest in forcing a hierarchy before the pads come on in earnest.

New Coach, Familiar Challenges

LaFleur enters his first season as head coach after three years calling plays in Los Angeles. The Cardinals have missed the playoffs in four straight seasons and own a 19-49 record over that span, tied for the league’s worst mark. That history puts extra emphasis on smart roster management and avoiding unnecessary wear in June.

The coach’s message stays consistent: the next 40 days belong to every player on the roster, not just the quarterbacks. Get better individually, stay healthy, and arrive in training camp ready to compete. The actual games remain months away.

Brissett’s experience, Minshew’s reps, and the development of Beck and Slovis will all factor into the eventual decision. LaFleur has made it clear he plans to let that process unfold on the practice field rather than in the meeting room right now.