Honestly, if you're looking at the Arizona Cardinals' current quarterback situation, it's kinda like looking at a high-stakes game of musical chairs where the music just stopped, and nobody is quite sure who's sitting in the right seat. It’s messy. It’s dramatic. And if you're a fan, it’s probably a little exhausting.
As we roll into the 2026 offseason, the "face of the franchise" conversation has shifted from a sure thing to a massive question mark. For years, the answer to who are the quarterbacks for the Arizona Cardinals was simple: Kyler Murray. But after a 2025 season plagued by injuries and a depth chart that saw more action than anyone expected, the roster looks a lot different than it did during those early "K1" hype years.
The Current Depth Chart: Who Is Actually Under Contract?
Right now, if you look at the official books for January 2026, the Cardinals have three primary names in the room. But "being on the roster" and "being the starter" are two very different things in the desert these days.
- Kyler Murray: The $230 million man. He’s technically the franchise QB, but he’s coming off a brutal 2025 where a foot injury sidelined him after just five games. He’s currently on Injured Reserve (IR) and hasn't suited up since Week 5 of last year.
- Jacoby Brissett: The seasoned vet who was supposed to be the "break glass in case of emergency" guy. He ended up starting 12 games in 2025. He’s signed through 2026, and after setting career highs in passing yards and touchdowns last season, he’s got a legitimate claim to the QB1 spot—at least for now.
- Kedon Slovis: The young gun. He’s the developmental project on the roster, signed through 2026. He hasn't seen much meaningful regular-season action, but he’s the "in case of disaster" insurance policy.
It's a weird mix. You've got a superstar with a massive contract and a broken foot, a journeyman who just played the best football of his life, and a kid waiting in the wings.
The Kyler Murray Dilemma: Is the K1 Era Over?
You can’t talk about the Arizona Cardinals quarterbacks without addressing the elephant in the room. Kyler Murray.
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Coming into the 2025 season, the hope was that Murray would finally silence the critics. Instead, he played five games, threw 6 touchdowns against 3 interceptions, and then his foot gave out. Since then, the silence from the organization has been deafening. Head Coach Jonathan Gannon—whose own future was a hot topic after a rough season—declined to even commit to Murray as the 2026 starter during end-of-year pressers.
The rumor mill is spinning fast. People like Alex Ballentine over at Bleacher Report are already mocking up trades that send Murray to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a handful of draft picks. Why? Because the Cardinals are sitting on the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. When you have a top-three pick and your expensive quarterback is coming off another major injury, the "reset" button starts looking real shiny.
Jacoby Brissett: The Accidental Hero
Jacoby Brissett is basically the ultimate professional. He signed a deal to be a backup, but by mid-October 2025, he was the guy. And he wasn't just "okay." He was actually pretty good.
Brissett threw for over 3,100 yards and 21 touchdowns last season. For a guy who was largely written off as a bridge QB, those are "starter" numbers. He’s 33 now, so he’s not the long-term future, but he’s under contract for 2026 at a much more manageable price than Kyler.
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The fans are split. Some love the stability Brissett brings. Others see the 1-11 record during his starts and realize that while his stats were good, the team wasn't winning. It’s the classic "good stats, bad team" trap. But if the Cardinals decide to trade Murray and draft a rookie, Brissett is the perfect guy to start the first six weeks of 2026 while the kid learns the playbook.
Looking Forward: Will a Rookie Join the Room?
If you’re wondering who are the quarterbacks for the Arizona Cardinals going to be by September, you have to look at the draft board. The 2026 class has some names that are making GM Monti Ossenfort’s mouth water.
We’re talking about guys like Ty Simpson out of Alabama or Oregon’s Dante Moore. There’s even talk about Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza. If the Cardinals stay at pick No. 3, they are in the "Impact QB" zone.
Choosing a rookie would mean the end of the Kyler Murray era. It would mean taking a massive "dead cap" hit on the salary cap, but it would also mean a fresh start for a franchise that has felt stuck in mud for a few years.
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What about Malik Willis?
There’s also a weirdly persistent rumor about Malik Willis. Since Ossenfort was in Tennessee when they drafted Willis, some insiders think the Cardinals might kick the tires on him as a free agent or cheap trade. He showed some flashes of brilliance recently while filling in for Jordan Love in Green Bay, and he fits that mobile QB mold the Cardinals seem to like.
Actionable Insights for Cardinals Fans
If you're trying to keep track of this chaotic QB room, here is what you need to watch over the next few months:
- The Medical Report: Keep an eye on Kyler Murray's foot recovery. If he isn't 100% by the start of training camp, the trade value drops, and the Cardinals might be forced to keep him.
- The Coaching Search: With rumors that the team might move on from the current staff, a new coach will want "their guy." If a new offensive-minded coach comes in, they might demand a rookie from the 2026 draft class.
- The March Roster Bonus: NFL contracts often have "trigger dates" in March where bonuses become guaranteed. If Murray is still on the team past mid-March, he’s likely staying for at least one more year.
- Draft Day Maneuvers: If the Cardinals trade down from No. 3, they are likely sticking with Murray or Brissett. If they stay or move up, they are drafting a new face of the franchise.
The quarterback room in Arizona is currently a transition zone. You have the ghost of Kyler's potential, the steady hand of Jacoby Brissett, and the looming shadow of a top draft pick. It’s not the most stable situation in the NFL, but it’s certainly one of the most interesting to watch.