The question of who is QB for Arizona Cardinals sounds like it should have a one-sentence answer. In a perfect world, you’d just say Kyler Murray and move on with your day. But if you’ve followed the desert birds through the 2025 season and into this current January 2026 stretch, you know it’s never that simple in Glendale.
Right now, the guy taking the snaps is Jacoby Brissett.
He wasn't supposed to be the "the guy." When the Cardinals signed him back in March 2025, the headline was basically "Arizona lands elite backup." He was the insurance policy for Kyler Murray. But as the 2025 season dragged on, that insurance policy became the full-time plan.
The Kyler Murray Situation: What Happened?
Everything changed in Week 5 against the Tennessee Titans. Kyler went down with a mid-foot injury. At first, the team acted like it was a "week-to-week" thing. Coach Jonathan Gannon kept saying Kyler was "pushing," but the weeks turned into months.
By December 5, 2025, the team finally admitted what everyone suspected: Kyler Murray was shut down for the rest of the year. The foot just wouldn't heal right. It was a bizarre saga. He missed games, went to IR, and then got "outside opinions" before the team pulled the plug.
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Honestly, the vibe shifted during that time. While Kyler was sidelined, the offense actually looked... stable? Under Jacoby Brissett, the ball was getting to Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride with a weirdly efficient rhythm. Brissett averaged nearly 300 yards in some of those early starts. He wasn't flashy like Kyler, but he wasn't taking the same soul-crushing sacks either.
Who is QB for Arizona Cardinals? The Current Depth Chart
If you look at the roster today, January 15, 2026, the room is a bit of a mixed bag. With the 2025 season effectively wrapped and the team finishing with a disappointing 3-14 record, the leadership is in "evaluation mode."
- Jacoby Brissett (Starter): He finished the season as QB1. He’s a vet. He doesn't get fooled. But he's also 33 and is clearly a "bridge" to whatever comes next.
- Kedon Slovis (Backup): The rookie out of BYU/Pitt/USC saw some clipboard time this year. He’s the primary backup while the big names are out.
- Kyler Murray (Injured Reserve/Trade Cloud): He's still technically the "franchise" guy on paper, but rumors are swirling that he’s played his last snap in a Cardinals jersey.
The $62 Million Question
Why is everyone talking about trading Kyler? It’s the money. Always the money.
March 16, 2026, is a massive date for this franchise. If Kyler Murray is still on the roster then, his 2027 salary becomes fully guaranteed. We’re talking about a massive financial commitment. Owner Michael Bidwill has to decide if he wants to pay $62 million in 2026 just to see if Kyler can still be "that guy."
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There's a lot of noise about the Pittsburgh Steelers or the New York Jets being interested. Some fans are over Kyler; others think the team failed him by not building a real offensive line. Both are probably a little bit right.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft
Because the Cardinals ended up with such a high pick—likely in the Top 5—the conversation has already shifted to the draft. If you’re asking who is QB for Arizona Cardinals six months from now, the answer might be a name you currently see on Saturday afternoons.
Names like Ty Simpson (Alabama) and Fernando Mendoza (Cal) are being linked to Arizona in almost every mock draft. Simpson, specifically, has been the darling of the scouts lately. He’s got that big-armed, pocket-passer profile that offensive coordinator Drew Petzing seems to prefer.
It’s a weird spot for a fan to be in. You have a former #1 overall pick in Kyler Murray who is electric but expensive and injured. You have a steady vet in Brissett who can't win games by himself. And you have a draft looming that could reset the clock entirely.
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What This Means for the Offense
Regardless of who starts, the focal point isn't even the QB anymore. It’s the weapons.
Trey McBride just finished a monster 2025 season with 126 catches. That is insane for a tight end. Michael Wilson finally hit the 1,000-yard mark. And Marvin Harrison Jr. is, well, he’s a superstar in the making. Whoever plays quarterback in 2026 is walking into a situation where the "cupboard" is actually pretty full—they just need someone to stay upright long enough to throw the ball.
The "bridge" era of Jacoby Brissett was necessary, but it's likely ending soon. Whether the Cardinals "run it back" with a healthy Kyler or draft a new face of the franchise, the next few months will be the most important in the team's recent history.
Actionable Takeaways for Cardinals Fans:
- Watch the March 16 Deadline: This is the "guarantee" date for Kyler Murray’s contract. If he isn't traded by then, expect him to be on the roster for 2026.
- Monitor Ty Simpson’s Draft Stock: If the Cardinals stay in the Top 5, Simpson is the most logical "pure passer" fit for Gannon’s system.
- Free Agency vs. Draft: If they move Murray, they’ll need another vet. Don't be surprised if they look at someone like Sam Darnold or another reclamation project to compete with a rookie.
The Arizona quarterback room is a revolving door right now, but the dust is finally starting to settle.