Jacoby Brissett and the Arizona Cardinals agreed to a reworked contract for the 2026 season, paying him $15.5 million with the opportunity to earn as much as $21 million. The deal resolves a months-long standoff between Brissett and the team over his compensation as a starting quarterback.
According to a report by Yahoo Sports, Brissett had been due to make $4.88 million in salary in 2026 with $1.5 million guaranteed under his original two-year deal signed in 2025. That deal was structured with the expectation he would serve as a backup. When Kyler Murray suffered a foot injury, Brissett took over and started the final 12 games of the 2025 season.
The results in those 12 games were difficult. The Cardinals went 1-11, losing their final nine games, including six by at least three scores. Still, Brissett set career highs with 3,366 passing yards and 23 touchdown passes.
When the Cardinals told him this offseason he would be the team's starting quarterback in 2026, Brissett requested a contract that reflected that role. He did not participate in the voluntary offseason program and did not practice in the team's one mandatory minicamp session. Reports indicated the two sides were far apart earlier in the offseason.
In recent days it became clear that around $15 million was the number that would close the gap.
The new deal adds no additional years. Brissett will still become an unrestricted free agent following the 2026 season. He is now expected to begin practicing with the starters in the coming week.
