Jacoby Brissett's Contract Holdout Explained, Backups Stidham & Minshew Earn More Than Cardinals QB1

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett is unhappy with his current contract because he feels he should be paid like a starter heading into 2026, ESPN's Josh Weinfuss reported Tuesday.

"A source told ESPN that Brissett believes that being a starting quarterback in the NFL should come with a paycheck that reflects that role. Hence, the holdout," Weinfuss reported.

After skipping voluntary workouts earlier this offseason, Brissett reported to mandatory minicamp amid his ongoing bid for a new contract.

Brissett is set to earn a base salary in 2026 of $4.9 million with $1.5 million in guarantees, per Spotrac.

Projected Cardinals backup Gardner Minshew, by comparison, is set to receive $5.14 million in guarantees next season.

Brissett is one of nine NFL quarterbacks with $1.5 million or fewer in guarantees next season, Weinfuss reported.

Brissett's total compensation could reach $7.4 million in 2026 depending on playing time bonuses.

The Denver Broncos' Jarrett Stidham could earn more next season thanks to a contract that reaches $8 million with bonuses, per Spotrac and ESPN's Dan Graziano.

Brissett's total contract value of $12.5 million ranks last among quarterbacks not on rookie deals who are set to start next season, Weinfuss noted.

Brissett is set to begin the 2026 season on top of the Cardinals' depth chart ahead of Minshew and Carson Beck following the franchise's release of former starter Kyler Murray.

Murray started just five games for the Cardinals last season before he suffered a foot injury that resulted in the franchise turning to Brissett for the remainder of the season.

Graziano indicated Tuesday that Brissett's contract status could be impacted by the fact that his 12 starts last season took place under former head coach Jonathan Gannon.

"If Brissett's going to be the starter, he deserves at least low-level starter money," Graziano reported Tuesday. "But the Cardinals have a new coach in Mike LaFleur, who wasn't there when Brissett stepped in for an injured Murray and put up 3,366 passing yards and 23 touchdowns."

Whether Brissett is able to work out a new contract with the Cardinals over the next month could impact whether he decides to pursue a holdout or hold-in when training camp starts in July.