Cardinals Urged to Cut Vexing Starter Despite Huge Production

The Arizona Cardinals are without two notable starters as OTA’s begin, as both edge rusher Josh Sweat and quarterback Jacoby Brissett remain unhappy with their situations. 

For Brissett, who is seeking a reworked deal that better reflects his status as an NFL starter, he may be poking a bear. 

While he has every chance to start another year in the league, Brissett may wear out his welcome in the desert if contract talks drag on. Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon thinks it already has, and that the Cardinals should move on from last year’s starter.

“A 33-year-old journeyman who went 1–11 in 12 starts last season is acting like he has the leverage to dictate terms to a rebuilding team coming off a 3–14 campaign,” wrote Gagnon. “That’s an unrealistic stance, especially since Arizona should view him strictly as a short-term bridge. With two other viable options on the roster and modest expectations for 2026 anyway, the Cardinals don’t need to bend to his demands.”

Rather than give in to Brissett’s contract demands, the Cardinals could release him and save nearly $6 million against the cap. 

“The Cardinals have a chance to send a strong message here,” Gagnon continued. “They’re frankly better off losing a bunch of games this season anyway, and they would be well-served getting a thorough look at rookie Carson Beck so that they have a feel for his future before potentially making a franchise-altering decision in the 2027 offseason.” 

Jacoby Brissett Continues His Holdout into OTA’s

Brissett had strong individual play in 2025, racking up 3,366 yards and 23 touchdowns in 14 games, but the statlines never translated to wins. Now, the Cardinals are once again in a rebuilding year, and might not be best served by paying big bucks to a 33-year old who isn’t going to be part of the future. 

“Rebuilding teams shouldn’t bow to the demands of journeyman quarterbacks. It’s time for Arizona to bank the savings, cut the noise, and set a clear line on what it will and won’t pay,” concluded Gagnon.

Should Brissett get released, the battle for starting quarterback would come down to NFL journeyman Garndner Minshew, and rookie Carson Beck.

Josh Sweat Notably Absent from Cardinals First Day of OTA’s

Sweat, who has reportedly wanted out of Arizona for some time, was also absent for the Cardinals OTA’s. Now, Jordan Schultz is reporting that teams are actively calling in regards to the star edge rusher. 

“The Cardinals have received trade calls on Pro Bowl DE Josh Sweat. Sweat had 12 sacks last season in his first year with Arizona and had a close relationship with Jonathan Gannon, whom the Cardinals moved on from,” said Schultz.

Sweat largely came to Arizona due to his relationship with Gannon, who is now the defensive coordinator of the Green Bay Packers. In a defense that lacks much star power, Sweat would be a tough loss for Arizona. Still, the Cardinals may not have a choice but to trade the frustrated edge rusher. Time will tell if either Sweat or Brissett remain on the team come September. 

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