The Arizona Cardinals missed out on quarterback Malik Willis today, who signed with the Miami Dolphins.
Willis was likely Arizona’s top choice at the position, but they had to pivot after his signing.
Now, the Cardinals have pivoted by signing quarterback Gardner Minshew II to a one-year, $5.75 million contract, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero.
Incentives can push the deal to $8 million.
After the parting of ways with veteran quarterback Kyler Murray, it appears that Minshew will back up incumbent quarterback Jacoby Brissett for the 2026 season, according to Arizona Sports insider John Gambadoro.
This is a strange turn of events for Arizona after missing out on the top free-agent quarterback. Jimmy Garoppolo and others were rumored to be next on the Cardinals’ list, but Minshew won out in the end.
What Does Minshew Bring to the Arizona Cardinals?
After a prolific year at Washington State, where he was fifth in Heisman voting, Minshew declared for the NFL Draft.
The Jacksonville Jaguars took Minshew in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. In his rookie year (2019), he dazzled.
In 14 games (12 starts), Minshew threw for 3271 yards, 21 touchdowns, and just six interceptions. ‘Minshew Mania’ had begun.
However, it was mostly downhill from that point forward.
In 2020, he started just eight games, going 1-7. After an injury and subsequent benching, his season was over.
The Jaguars would take quarterback Trevor Lawrence with the No. 1 overall pick, trading Minshew to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Minshew would back up Jalen Hurts for two seasons before signing with the Indianapolis Colts.
In 2023, Minshew would start 13 games with the Colts, throwing for 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions, becoming a Pro Bowl selection.
He parlayed that solid year into a contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he would falter significantly. In nine starts, Minshew would throw 10 interceptions and go 2-7 before an injury.
He was then picked up by the Kansas City Chiefs to be Patrick Mahomes’ backup. After Mahomes went down with an injury late in the 2025 season, Minshew started one game before he succumbed to the injury bug as well.
Minshew possesses great arm strength but has suffered from injuries and inconsistency throughout his career.
What Does This Mean?
According to Gambadoro, Minshew fits in as the backup behind Brissett, a strange turn of events after the end of the Kyler Murray saga.
Brissett and Minshew may have a training camp battle, but fans should expect Brissett to start in 2026.
Given the weak trade market and draft board at quarterback, Arizona practically had no choice but to sign a free agent. Keeping Brissett as the starter is an interesting move.
However, the Cardinals must have their sights set on the 2027 NFL Draft, where the quarterback crop is expected to be much more plentiful.
From this move, it appears that the Cardinals are intent on getting a top-three selection once again.
Led by Texas’ Arch Manning, Oregon’s Dante Moore and Ohio State’s Julian Sayin, Arizona seems primed to get a top pick in the draft and use it on their next franchise quarterback.
Cardinals Make Decision on Their 2026 Plans at Quarterback