The Arizona Cardinals face subdued expectations heading into the 2026 season.
Subdued is likely an understatement.
Between starting a heavily flawed quarterback in Jacoby Brissett, to facing the most challenging schedule in the NFL (per Sharp Football Analysis), there are no shortage of challenges that are placing the Cardinals at the bottom of NFL projections.
Is there room for a quarterback controversy through all of the challenges?
One respected NFL analyst certainly believes so.
Dan Orlovsky Believes in Beck
GettyBeck has become comfortable in Arizona in a short time.
Orlovsky – a former NFL quarterback and respected media member – made a bold proclamation during his time on the “Pat McAfee Show” on Friday morning.
“Carson Beck told the Cardinals last night you have to consider me for the starting QB job sooner rather than later.”
This is more of a warning than an all-out endorsement, but it still holds value. Beck has widely been seen as an inevitability to start at some point during the season, but his performance in the Hall of Fame game against the Carolina Panthers raised eyebrows.
Beck completed 15-19 passes and led three scoring drives out of his four series on Thursday. Orlovsky pointed to factors beyond the raw stats as well. Not only did Beck have an outstanding statistical profile, he also appeared to be the most prepared. The Miami product was mentally sharp, didn’t allow disguised coverage to trick him, and made several big-time throws.
Brissett Remains Cardinals’ Solidified Starter
GettyIs a QB controversy brewing in Arizona?
Brissett’s amended contract with the Cardinals ($15,790,000 total) all but confirms that he will begin the season as the starter.
This doesn’t mean that head coach Mike LaFluer won’t be tasked with a challenging decision. Brissett brings an experience edge that serves the Cardinals well during the most challenging stretch of the season. The veteran will also be the most equipped to maximize targets such as Marvin Harrison Jr. early in the season.
However, Beck provides a jolt of energy in his arm that Brissett simply doesn’t at this stage. This debate ultimately comes down to security vs. ceiling, although the NC State alum is overwhelmingly likely to start week one.
Realistic Target for Beck’s First Start in Sight
It is unknown when Beck will receive his first NFL start, but a 2026 debut feels inevitable at this stage.
Week 12 against the Washington Commanders is the perfect runway to Beck to take off from.
Washington will be one of four teams Arizona plays over the final six games of the season that finished with a sub-.500 record in 2025. The others are the New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, and Las Vegas Raiders.
This strategy ensures the organization gets a sufficient look at Beck without rushing the rookie into the heat of battle against elite competition. It also would ensure that Beck has Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, and Trey McBride in peak in-season form.
The positive start to Beck’s career is encouraging, but the 6’4″ quarterback still has work cut out for him, as he must convince the organization to pass on selecting a quarterback in next April’s draft.
The Cardinals have a promising player at the quarterback position regardless of what transpires in the future. This is enough to quell anxiety that the fanbase may have.
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