Veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett practiced with the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday, a move that suggests a resolution may be nearing in his contract dispute. Brissett had been absent from offseason workouts due to dissatisfaction with his current deal, but his presence at the team's workout indicates a potential shift.
Brissett, who started the final 12 games for the Cardinals last season, is in a competition for the starting quarterback job against veteran Gardner Minshew and rookie Carson Beck. Coach Mike LaFleur declined to offer clarity on the depth chart, stating, "I'd describe it as practice one on July 23."
The 33-year-old Brissett is in the final year of a two-year contract worth $12.5 million, with only $1.5 million guaranteed. If his contract remains unchanged, he would rank among the NFL's lowest-paid starting quarterbacks. Last season, Brissett recorded 3,366 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, but the Cardinals struggled to a 1-11 record in his starts, finishing last in the NFC West with an overall record of 3-14.
Brissett's contract situation drew public support from teammate Budda Baker. The Cardinals safety posted on social media earlier this month, urging the team to "get his (expletive) done," adding that Brissett was "asking for below the bare minimum." Baker reiterated his support on Thursday, stating, "I definitely think Jacoby did a great job coming in last year. I know we didn't get the wins that we wanted to get, but I think he commanded the offense at a high level."
Roster Updates
In other team news, starting left tackle Paris Johnson and edge rusher Josh Sweat were placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list to open training camp due to knee issues. LaFleur expressed confidence in their long-term outlook, describing Johnson's situation as "really just maintenance stuff" and Sweat as being "fired up to be here" and in "great spirits."
Both players will not participate in practices but remain on the 90-man training camp roster and are eligible to return to drills at any point during the preseason. Johnson is entering his fourth season as a starter, while Sweat achieved a career-high 12 sacks last season. Cornerback Garrett Williams (Achilles tendon) and tight end Tip Reiman (ankle) are also on the PUP list, recovering from significant injuries sustained last season.
Off-Field Concerns
LaFleur's first training camp has also been impacted by off-field issues. On July 17, the NFL indefinitely suspended Cardinals personnel executive Ryan Gold for violating the league's gambling policy. The investigation found that Gold shared confidential information about future draft selections and placed bets on NFL and college games. Gold is in his 13th season with the organization.
More recently, offensive lineman Isaiah Adams was arrested in Canada on four weapons charges. Adams, a third-year player competing for a starting position, was present at camp on Thursday. His attorney stated that Adams is "completely innocent in this matter." LaFleur commented on Adams' situation, saying, "He's doing good and it's good to see him."