Cardinals bench Brissett for Minshew and Beck
Arizona changes its quarterback hierarchy after a dramatic overtime win over Dallas, leaving the veteran starter as the third option on the depth chart.
By Sakura Novak ·
Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur announced a complete shuffle of the team's quarterback depth chart on Monday. The move follows a 33-30 overtime victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. The result improved the Cardinals' record to 3-5.
Gardner Minshew will start the next game. Carson Beck moves into the backup role. Jacoby Brissett drops to the third-string spot. Brissett started the first seven games of the season. He had been the primary option for most of the last two years.
The shift in personnel order reflects performance trends. Brissett struggled during the first half against Dallas. The Cardinals trailed 27-17 with 3:54 left in regulation. Minshew entered the game and threw three touchdown passes. He completed 73.9% of his attempts in that span.
Minshew is 30 years old. He has played for five different NFL teams since entering the league in 2019. His previous stops include Jacksonville, Philadelphia, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, and Kansas City. His 2023 season with Indianapolis remains his best statistical year, earning him a Pro Bowl selection.
Beck is a 2026 third-round draft pick. He played for the University of Miami in 2025. That team appeared in the College Football Playoff National Championship. During the 2026 preseason, Beck completed 15 of 19 passes for 188 yards and one touchdown without an interception.
The Cardinals face the Seattle Seahawks next Sunday in Seattle. The Seahawks are the defending Super Bowl champions. Minshew will make his first start as an Arizona Cardinal in that contest.
LaFleur did not specify Brissett's future status beyond the immediate term. The Baltimore Ravens are a likely trade partner. Baltimore lost Lamar Jackson. Backup Tyler Huntley is expected to miss time with a toe injury. This leaves rookie Joe Fagnano as the only healthy option for Baltimore.
The league trade deadline is November 10. A deal for Brissett could involve a mid-round draft pick from Arizona to Baltimore. The Ravens need a stable signal caller to remain competitive in a division where every team currently holds a winning record.
