Cardinals’ Jacoby Brissett relieved to put contract saga behind him after new deal
· Yahoo Sports
GLENDALE — With both sides finally agreeing to a new deal, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett is ready to turn the page and get back to football.
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Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) practices during training camp at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on July 26, 2026. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
After an offseason filled with negotiations and uncertainty surrounding one of the club’s veteran leaders, Arizona and Brissett finalized a one-year, $15.5 million guaranteed contract Sunday. Brissett was entering the second year of a two-year deal that was originally set to pay him $4.88 million in base salary before seeking a new contract.
Speaking to reporters for the first time since the agreement, Brissett admitted the prolonged negotiations weighed on him.
“I’m pretty sure I’ll probably sleep more than three hours tonight,” Brissett said. “We got an off day tomorrow, so I’ll sleep in… It’s because it’s your livelihood. It’s business. It’s part of this game. Being here, obviously wanting to be out there with the guys, that causes another stressor. But I’m just glad it’s over with and moving forward.”
The agreement brings an end to one of Arizona’s biggest offseason storylines. With longtime starting quarterback Kyler Murray having moved on, there was speculation throughout the offseason that Brissett could step into the starting role. Instead, as negotiations lingered and Brissett remained away from much of the team’s offseason program, his contract status became the bigger focus.
That uncertainty made every missed practice more significant. Every rep is valuable, particularly for a veteran quarterback expected to embrace a leadership role while continuing to build chemistry with Arizona’s receivers. With the contract settled, the Cardinals can shift their attention back to preparing for the regular season instead of answering questions about negotiations.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) practices during training camp at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on July 26, 2026. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
A 10-year NFL veteran, Brissett is coming off the most productive passing season of his career. He completed 315 of 485 passes (64.9%) for 3,366 yards with 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions while appearing in 14 games. Although Arizona finished 1-11 in his 12 starts, Brissett’s production and experience made him the clear favorite to enter 2026 as the Cardinals’ starter.
Brissett brushed aside criticism over the 1-11 stretch, making it clear outside opinions were never part of his thought process.
“Could care less,” Brissett said when asked what he would say to critics. “Deal got done.”
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett speaks with the press during training camp at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on July 26, 2026. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The response reflected Brissett’s belief that contract negotiations are simply part of the business of the NFL. Now that an agreement is in place, both sides can move forward with a singular focus.
Instead of conversations centered on contracts, Brissett and the Cardinals can spend the remainder of training camp preparing for a season in which the organization hopes to take a significant step forward.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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