Cardinals' Brissett Holds Out From Offseason Program as Contract Negotiations Intensify

Jacoby Brissett is not attending Arizona Cardinals offseason activities as the veteran quarterback and the organization work through contract discussions, per sources with direct knowledge of the situation. The 32-year-old signal caller has informed the team he will not participate in the program's early phases while negotiations continue, I am told. Multiple sources confirm that Brissett's absence is a strategic move tied directly to compensation talks rather than any injury or personal matter.

This development marks a significant moment in what has become an increasingly complicated quarterback situation in Arizona. Brissett signed a two-year, 27 million dollar deal with the Cardinals last offseason after serving as the primary starter through 2023. Sources indicate that both sides agreed the contract was structured with flexibility, but what seemed like a workable arrangement has evolved into a point of contention as the organization evaluates its quarterback future.

The Cardinals have made it clear to Brissett that they want him back, per sources familiar with the team's thinking. General Manager Monti Ossenfort and head coach Jonathan Gannon both publicly stated that Brissett would be their starting quarterback heading into the 2024 season. However, per sources, those assurances have not translated into the type of financial commitment or long-term security that Brissett's camp believes reflects his market value and role within the organization.

Brissett's holdout from offseason workouts is a calculated move that sends a distinct message to the front office. I am told that the quarterback's representatives believe the current contract does not adequately compensate him for his responsibilities as the team's starter. The negotiations have centered on restructuring his deal to increase his guaranteed money and potentially adjust the year-to-year cap implications, sources say. This is not uncommon in the NFL when players feel their contracts have shifted out of alignment with their role and production.

The financial context here is important to understanding what is actually at stake. The Cardinals currently have significant cap flexibility heading into the season, per sources with knowledge of the team's cap situation. Arizona has maneuvered its cap space carefully over the past two years, and Brissett's contract was always viewed as movable if the team wanted to pursue other options. That flexibility, per sources, cuts both ways in these negotiations. The team has options if an agreement cannot be reached, but so does Brissett, who remains a competent NFL starter with experience winning games in multiple systems.

What makes this situation particularly interesting is the timing of it relative to the Cardinals' offseason approach. The team has gone through significant roster construction already this offseason. Arizona invested in its defense and skill position players, signaling that the organization believes this roster can compete immediately. Per sources, the leadership genuinely wants Brissett to be their quarterback, but they also are not willing to completely reset his financial structure without getting something in return.

Sources indicate that Brissett's camp has pointed to similar contracts signed by other veteran starters around the league as justification for seeking an increase. The market for starting quarterbacks has shifted substantially even in the last calendar year. Brissett's representatives argue that his experience, stability, and production warrant an adjustment to his current deal, I am told. The team's position, per sources, is more measured. Arizona believes Brissett should honor his current commitment while they explore whether they can find middle ground that works for both parties.

The Cardinals' offseason program at this juncture typically features conditioning work, classroom sessions, and voluntary practice periods. It is not the mandatory period where absences become more problematic from a league standpoint. That said, per sources, the team prefers to have all players, especially the starting quarterback, on hand during these early sessions to build continuity and install schemes. Gannon has emphasized the importance of communication and chemistry among his offensive players. Brissett's absence, I am told, does complicate those objectives even if it is not yet a crisis.

Multiple sources close to the situation believe this will be resolved before the mandatory portion of the offseason program begins. There is precedent for these types of contract disputes playing out relatively quickly once both sides recognize that neither party gains anything from extended public posturing. The Cardinals have shown they understand the value of stability at the quarterback position after years of instability. Brissett has shown he is willing to compete and produce in difficult circumstances. That foundation exists for a resolution.

However, per sources, there is also genuine uncertainty about what that resolution looks like. If the team and Brissett cannot find common ground on a restructure, Arizona will face a decision about whether to keep him on his current deal or explore alternatives. The Cardinals have looked at other options throughout the offseason, sources say. Gannon has experience with multiple quarterbacks from his time in Philadelphia and Indianapolis. The organization is not entirely locked in if negotiations fully break down, I am told.

What complicates matters further is the quarterback market itself. Brissett is not in the same category as elite franchise quarterbacks who command unconditional support and maximum financial leverage. At the same time, he is performing at a level that warrants respect and security. He led the Cardinals to a 5-8 record last season and demonstrated he could manage games and move the offense efficiently. That is not enough to demand elite compensation, but it is enough to demand fair treatment as a starting quarterback in the modern NFL.

Sources confirm that Gannon remains confident in Brissett as his quarterback. The coach did not acquire a top draft pick to develop a rookie this offseason. Arizona used its premium selection on defensive needs. That suggests the organization's internal evaluation concluded that Brissett is capable of executing the offense and that other needs took priority. Gannon's track record with quarterbacks is solid, and he would not publicly commit to Brissett if he had significant doubts, per sources with knowledge of the coach's thinking.

The next phase of this situation will become clearer as mandatory minicamps approach. Brissett's absence from voluntary sessions will eventually need to transition into a resolution. Either a deal gets done that both sides can live with, or Brissett reports under his current contract and the tension dissipates. I am told that both parties are motivated to find a path forward that preserves the working relationship while addressing the contract concerns.

What to monitor closely: Watch for any movement in contract talks over the next two weeks. Look for statements from either the Cardinals or Brissett's representatives that signal progress or continued impasse. Track whether Brissett attends mandatory minicamps when the team requires his presence, as that will indicate whether this is a serious holdout or a negotiating tactic. Pay attention to any veteran quarterback moves in the market that might signal the Cardinals are preparing contingencies.