TEMPE, Ariz. — For the first time since he signed with the Arizona Cardinals in the spring, Gardner Minshew II on Wednesday was made available to local media. The eighth-year quarterback was asked 15 questions. One reflected the awkward situation in which the Cardinals find themselves.
Is it your expectation you’re competing for the starting job?
“I don’t know, man,” Minshew said. “I’m getting the reps I’m getting right now, trying to do the best I can, trying to help our team.”
Even for an organization coming off a dismal three-win season, one that prompted a coaching change and a decision to move on from quarterback Kyler Murray, the offseason is supposed to offer hope. A fresh start. Because of the quarterback situation, that’s not so much the case here.
Presumptive starter Jacoby Brissett is not at organized team activities, holding out in hopes of a restructured contract. In some ways, this is ridiculous. Filling in for the injured Murray last season, Brissett went 1-11 as a starter. Although he played well, he was in no position to ask for a raise — at least until the Cardinals signed free-agent Minshew to a one-year deal in March.
Entering the second season of a two-year deal he signed as a backup, the 33-year-old Brissett is slated to make $4.88 million this season with the potential to make more in roster bonuses, but only $1.5 million is guaranteed. Minshew’s deal came with $5.14 million guaranteed.
Thus, Brissett’s absence from voluntary work.
For the past month, general manager Monti Ossenfort and first-year head coach Mike LaFleur have insisted this is not a problem. After Wednesday’s practice, LaFleur again pointed to Brissett’s experience and how his biggest hurdle is learning the new language of the offense.
Had Brissett been in his rookie or second season, then, yes, a standoff such as this would be worrisome, LaFleur said, “but he’s played a lot of ball, so he’ll be just fine.”
(Just as significant, Josh Sweat, the team’s top pass rusher, is also an OTA no-show. Again, LaFleur said he is not concerned. “I’m just excited at the fact that I don’t have to game plan against that guy,” he said.)
Jacoby Brissett, who went 1-11 as a starter last season, enters the season as the Cardinals’ most experienced option at quarterback. (Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images)
The fear here is obvious: That the Cardinals finally moved on from Murray, who failed to deliver a single playoff win over seven seasons, only to assemble a quarterback room that may not produce anyone better. Although Brissett put up strong numbers last season — 3,366 passing yards with 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions — he’s 20-45 over 10 seasons as a starter. The 30-year-old Minshew is 17-30 over seven.
The Cardinals added intrigue in April’s NFL Draft, selecting seasoned Miami quarterback Carson Beck in the third round. To start, the rookie is expected to learn from the vets, but that could quickly change if the Cardinals struggle against a difficult schedule. Kedon Slovis, who has thrown two passes as a pro, is also on Arizona’s roster.
Minshew could make this a lot easier for the Cardinals if he plays well enough this summer to take control of the room. That will not be easy. Brissett last season earned the respect of the offense, targeting receivers that Murray often ignored or missed. Last week, receiver Michael Wilson, who last season posted 1,006 receiving yards, told reporters he was “forever indebted” to Brissett for boosting his career.
Like Brissett, Minshew has spent most of his career looking for stability. A 2019 sixth-round pick out of Washington State, he played two seasons in Jacksonville, two in Philadelphia and one each in Indianapolis, Las Vegas and Kansas City. In 2023, he replaced injured rookie Anthony Richardson and led the Colts to a 9-8 record, earning Pro Bowl recognition. In 2024, with the Raiders, he won the starting job but suffered a broken collarbone in late November.
The Cardinals offer a new chance. They have intriguing offensive weapons in tight end Trey McBride, receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., and running back Jeremiyah Love, the No. 3 pick of April’s draft. All they need — in addition to improved protection up front, no small feat — is someone to bring out the best in everyone.
“He knows the game,” LaFleur said of Minshew. “He’s been around a lot of different systems. He’s been asked to do a lot. You think about what we’re doing compared to, let’s just say, Philly when he was there and backing up Jalen Hurts, and then Jalen goes down, and he’s running that system. He’s been a part of all this.”
Minshew said he looks forward to earning the respect of his teammates and coaches.
“At the end of the day, I want to be a quarterback that wins in this league,” he said. “I want to win at a high level, play at a high level. I think that’s everybody’s goal as a quarterback. I’m excited to be here with an opportunity and a great group of guys around me.”