The Arizona Cardinals have finally selected a new quarterback in this year’s draft in Carson Beck, but that might spell the end of veteran Jacoby Brissett. The team has now sent a clear message to Brissett that the team could be preparing to trade him. While Brissett is looking for a new contract and hasn’t participated in voluntary workouts, the Cardinals might be better off with Beck as the starter, with new free agent signee Gardner Minshew as the bridge behind him. Brissett wants starter money, but at 33 and without winning seasons under his belt, it’s hard to envision him as a Cardinal by the start of the 2026 campaign.
The selection of Beck makes sense; the team also selected RB Jeremiyah Love, so the Cardinals should be embracing the new culture shift led by new head coach Mike LaFleur. Now, the future becomes complicated for Brissett. Originally selected in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft, the former NC State product is coming off a somewhat decent season, but it wasn’t enough to win. The Cardinals need a clear winner, and the fact that they brought in Beck should raise eyebrows about what’s next for Brissett.
Carson Beck Pick Likely Signals Incoming Blockbuster Jacoby Brissett Trade
The team signing Minshew was one thing, but drafting Beck means that the Cardinals are exploring their options. Perhaps the team will trade Brissett since he’s on an expiring deal anyway. The tough part about that is whether he will gain any interest. He’s a good backup, but he didn’t show any persuasion that he could win a football game.
However, there are always quarterbacks needed in this league, so here are three teams that could call the Cardinals for Brissett.
Potential Landing Spots
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have been mainly drafting offensive players, including Monroe Freeling and Chris Brazzell, but the team needs a backup quarterback. While they did sign Will Grier, he’s more of a third-string emergency starter if the Panthers somehow lose two quarterbacks. However, the team ultimately moved on from Andy Dalton due to his older age, and even though Brissett is in that category, he still has a good 2-3 years in him.
Brissett won’t start, but if Young doesn’t perform like he did last season, head coach Dave Canales could decide to name Brissett as the temporary starter. He might be able to thrive better in an offense that contains Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts are still struggling to find a trade partner for Anthony Richardson. After re-signing Daniel Jones, the team will need a reliable veteran backup. Brissett is arguably the better backup for the Colts, especially over Riley Leonard, so he should be able to be the new QB on watch if Jones goes down with another injury. Brissett has played in Indianapolis before, so it shouldn’t be a struggle for him to adjust.
New York Giants
As for the Giants, the team doesn’t necessarily need a backup since they have Jameis Winston, but he’s been in a few trade rumors. They won’t swap him for Brissett, but if the Giants move on from Winston, the team could add Brissett to battle with Brandon Allen for the backup job. Jaxson Dart is turning into one of the more elite, but Brissett will be ready if chaos happens.
