New Carson Beck Rumors on Cardinals' Rookie Becoming QB1 to Open 2026 NFL Season

Former Miami quarterback Carson Beck reportedly has a chance to go from third-round draft pick to NFL starter ahead of his first season with the Arizona Cardinals.

According to ESPN's Josh Weinfuss, "while it's not likely, there is potential for [Beck] to be the Week 1 starter."

It is more likely that Beck will get a shot at NFL playing time down the stretch of the 2026 season, Weinfuss added.

"Beck could be thrust into the lineup at any point; midseason if the Cardinals struggle out of the gate or November/December if the season is lost," Weinfuss reported. "If Arizona falls out of playoff contention, don't be surprised if the team throws him out there to see what it has entering the 2027 draft.

"While starting Week 1 is a long shot, there's a distinct possibility of Beck playing at any point from Week 2 on."

Weinfuss reported earlier this month the Cardinals had informed Jacoby Brissett he would be their starting quarterback next season after initially declining to name a QB1 in the wake of Kyler Murray's release.

Brissett is currently staying away from offseason activities as part of ongoing negotiations for a new contract. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport previously reported that Brissett wants to be paid "as the starter."

The Cardinals also have Gardner Minshew, who was signed by the organization in March on a one-year deal as a presumptive backup to Brissett.

Should the Cardinals end up benching Brissett, however, the franchise might want to see what they have in Beck rather than relying on a backup on an expiring contract.

Given what is expected to be a deep quarterback class in 2027, whether Beck is able to succeed when given the opportunity could ultimately shape how the Cardinals approach the 2027 NFL draft next spring.

Beck will get his first shot at beating out Brissett and Minshew for playing time when voluntary OTAs begin next Monday, followed by the June 8 start of minicamp.