Jacoby Brissett to Attend Cardinals Minicamp to Avoid Penalties During Contract Negotiations
Player Jacoby Brissett is set to join the Arizona Cardinals for their mandatory minicamp as a strategic move to sidestep potential fines resulting from an ongoing contract negotiation dilemma. Despite skipping voluntary offseason activities due to unresolved contractual issues, Brissett’s decision to attend the three-day minicamp comes as a calculated move to avoid incurring fines exceeding $107,000, which could be imposed under the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement.
While Brissett’s attendance at the minicamp might appear as a sign of productive negotiations, sources suggest that a resolution remains elusive, and a deal is not anticipated to materialize before the camp commences. With the negotiation deadlock in place, Brissett could engage in a tactic known as a “hold-in,” a strategy adopted by players in contract disputes wherein they report to team facilities but limit their involvement in practice sessions, potentially disrupting their preparation for the upcoming season.
Brissett currently finds himself in the final year of a two-year, $12.5 million contract inked in 2025. Despite being poised to pocket around $4.9 million in the 2026 season, with a meager $1.5 million guaranteed, the 33-year-old quarterback is pressing for a restructured deal. This push for a revised contract stems from his transition from a backup role to the anticipated starting position following Kyler Murray’s departure. The Cardinals’ recent signing of Gardner Minshew, coupled with the more lucrative terms of his deal compared to Brissett’s, further underscores the discord in Brissett’s contract talks.
Having showcased his best statistical performance during the 2025 season, where he commanded the starting role and delivered impressive numbers including 3,366 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and a mere eight interceptions across 14 games, Brissett carries significant leverage as negotiations unfold. The Cardinals are heading into the 2026 season with Brissett at the helm of their quarterback corps, alongside Minshew, rookie Carson Beck, and Kedon Slovis. This dynamic quarterback group is set to navigate the upcoming season under the guidance of first-year head coach Mike LaFleur, who is in the process of implementing a new offensive system in preparation for the upcoming training camp.
As Brissett navigates the fine line between contract negotiations and on-field responsibilities, his participation at the minicamp underscores his commitment to the Cardinals while reflecting the complexities inherent in NFL contract talks, particularly for players seeking financial recalibration in light of their shifting roles within their respective teams.