The Washington Commanders are counting on Jayden Daniels to bounce back in 2026. Their fortunes will be directly tied to the quarterback staying healthy and performing well, which is precisely what dragged the franchise out of the basement and into the NFC Championship game during his rookie season.
It was a who's who of misfits and failed acquisitions before then. And one former Washington signal-caller is dangerously close to overplaying his hand with his current employers.
There was no sign of veteran Jacoby Brissett when the Arizona Cardinals met for the start of OTAs. He is reportedly holding out for more money, given that he is expected to start the 2026 campaign. But with Gardner Minshew also on board, both parties remain in gridlock.
Former Commanders quarterback Jacoby Brissett wants a raise in Arizona
New head coach Mike LaFleur revealed nothing much had changed. They've been in contact with Brissett and his representatives, but he wouldn't say anything more than that.
“It’s the same as where we were a few weeks ago. . . . We’ve had contact, I’ll leave it at that."
It's an intriguing situation. Brissett is in the final season of his two-year agreement with Arizona. He's counting $9.19 million against the salary cap, but only $1.5 million of that is guaranteed. The Cardinals released Kyler Murray earlier this offseason after no willing trade suitor emerged. That puts the former Commanders backup in the driver's seat, and he wants to be paid like it.
Brissett's money right now is good for a No. 2. But if he's going to start, it's pretty low by NFL standards. At the same time, he's 34 with no real consistent production in recent seasons. One could make a strong case that he should just be happy with the opportunity.
There won't be any more years added to Brissett's deal. The Cardinals are expected to struggle again next season, which would put them in a strong position to draft one of the top quarterbacks in 2027. Until then, their projected starter wants a raise, and with $31.25 million in available cap space, there is enough to get something worked out.
The Cardinals may also believe that Brissett hasn't done anything to warrant more money. He was 1-11 as a starter last season, completing 64.9 percent of his passes for 3,366 yards, 23 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions. His 41.2 QBR was average, and he's also another year older.
It'll be interesting to see who blinks first. But Brissett would be wise to avoid any unnecessary complications at this late stage of his playing days.
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