Jacoby Brissett Reworks Cardinals Deal for $15.5M Guaranteed in 2026

The Arizona Cardinals and Jacoby Brissett agreed to a reworked contract featuring $15.5 million in guarantees and a max value of $21 million.

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The Arizona Cardinals and quarterback Jacoby Brissett finalized a reworked contract on Sunday that provides the veteran passer with $15.5 million in guaranteed salary for the 2026 season. According to a source who spoke to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the agreement includes incentives that could elevate the total payout to $21 million. This financial adjustment significantly increases Brissett's compensation from his previous base salary of $4.88 million, which originally carried only $1.5 million in guarantees. Despite the pay raise, the 33-year-old remains the fourth-lowest-paid quarterback in the NFL regarding take-home salary, moving up one spot from his standing under the initial terms.

Brissett is currently in the second year of a two-year deal signed in 2025. The new agreement does not add any additional years to his tenure in Arizona, leaving him scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent following the conclusion of the season. This outcome aligns with reports that the quarterback never intended to extend the length of his stay beyond the original 2025 signing. The resolution follows a period in May where both parties were described as being significantly far apart in negotiations, with little progress reported in the weeks immediately preceding training camp.

Training Camp Schedule and First-Team Reps

Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur confirmed on Sunday that Brissett will begin taking repetitions with the first-team offense this Tuesday. This shift coincides with the team's return from a scheduled day off and the commencement of the second block of training camp. While Brissett reported to camp on Wednesday, his participation has been limited. He did not take part in 11-on-11 drills during the opening days, restricted instead to individual portions of practice. This follows an offseason where the quarterback was absent from voluntary OTAs and the voluntary minicamp, followed by a "hold in" during the mandatory June minicamp sessions.

LaFleur expressed satisfaction with the timing of the deal, stating it was productive to finalize the terms sooner rather than later. However, the coach stopped short of naming Brissett the definitive starter for the regular-season opener. The Cardinals are slated to visit the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 1, and while Brissett is reclaiming first-team duties in practice, his status for that specific kickoff remains uncommitted by the coaching staff.

Statistical Performance and Historical Milestones

During the previous season, Brissett appeared in 14 games and earned 12 starts. He accumulated 3,366 passing yards, throwing 23 touchdowns against eight interceptions. If he secures the starting role for the upcoming opener against the Chargers, he will achieve a rare historical milestone in the NFL. According to ESPN Research, Brissett would become the 12th quarterback in the Super Bowl era—dating back to 1966—to start a season opener for four or more different franchises.

The negotiation process for this reworked deal lasted several months before reaching the finish line. The quarterback's decision to report to Glendale on Wednesday marked the end of his summer hold-in, though the financial specifics were not confirmed until Sunday's announcement. As the Cardinals transition into the next phase of their preparation at their Glendale facility, the focus shifts to Brissett's integration into the primary offensive unit during the upcoming Tuesday session.