The Arizona Cardinals made an interesting move in their quest to revamp their offense by signing veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett. This acquisition raises the question: what does Brissett’s arrival mean for the current state of the Cardinals’ quarterback room and their starter, Kyler Murray?
Brissett, known for his experience and leadership, brings with him a wealth of knowledge from playing with teams like the Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, and Cleveland Browns. His most notable season came in 2022 when he stepped in as the starting quarterback for the Browns, filling in for Deshaun Watson. During that year, Brissett demonstrated his reliability, recording a 64.5% completion rate, 2,608 passing yards, and 12 touchdowns. His performance was solid, if not spectacular, but he has long been regarded as a steady hand in the huddle, especially in high-pressure situations.
So, what does this mean for Kyler Murray, the Cardinals’ star quarterback? Murray is still recovering from a torn ACL suffered in December 2022, and while his rehabilitation is progressing, there is uncertainty around his return to full health. The Cardinals, under new head coach Jonathan Gannon, must make sure that they have a dependable backup in place if Murray is not fully ready for the season opener. Brissett provides the perfect bridge for the team, as he can step in and perform well if Murray is forced to miss games early on.
Brissett’s experience as a starter and backup makes him a valuable asset in this scenario. His ability to manage the game, keep turnovers low, and control the tempo could be crucial in ensuring the Cardinals’ offense doesn’t falter while waiting for Murray’s return. Additionally, Brissett’s versatility allows the coaching staff to adjust their game plan depending on whether Murray is ready to return to the starting role or if Brissett needs to continue holding down the fort.
For Murray, Brissett’s presence could also serve as healthy competition. While it’s unlikely that Brissett will outright take the starting job from Murray, his steady play could push Murray to return to form more quickly. Quarterbacks often benefit from having a reliable backup who can perform well in their absence, and this competition might inspire Murray to further refine his skills.
Overall, the addition of Jacoby Brissett brings depth, experience, and stability to the Arizona Cardinals’ quarterback situation. While Murray’s long-term health remains the focus, Brissett offers a reliable backup plan and a potential mentor for the young signal-caller. As the Cardinals continue to shape their offense around Murray’s unique abilities, Brissett’s role may become a key factor in their success, whether as a dependable substitute or as a stabilizing force in the locker room.
