Cardinals and Brissett resolve contract standoff with $15.5m guarantee
The agreement significantly increases Brissett’s guaranteed compensation for the 2026 season, though it does not extend his tenure beyond the current year.
The Arizona Cardinals and quarterback Jacoby Brissett have finalised a reworked contract arrangement, securing a guaranteed $15.5 million for the 2026 season. The agreement, which carries a potential total value of $21 million when incentives are included, brings an end to a period of uncertainty that saw the quarterback absent from key team obligations.
The restructuring was reported by ESPN on Sunday, following a standoff that left Brissett away from training activities. The new one-year deal resolves the holdout, allowing the veteran quarterback to resume his duties as the team’s starter. Brissett has already begun practicing with the squad.
Under the new terms, Brissett’s guaranteed compensation represents a significant increase from the $4.88 million base salary scheduled under the second year of his previous two-year contract. The financial adjustment ensures he is compensated at a level commensurate with his role as the starting quarterback.
The agreement does not extend his tenure with the franchise, as no new years were added to the contract. Consequently, Brissett remains under contract for the 2026 season only. He is scheduled to become a free agent following the conclusion of the year, meaning the Cardinals have secured his services for a single campaign.
The resolution of the contract dispute removes the ambiguity surrounding the team’s quarterback position for the upcoming season. With the financial terms settled, the Cardinals can now focus on preparations for the 2026 season with Brissett firmly established as the starter.
