The Arizona Cardinals face an early distraction in the beginning of the Mike LaFleur era. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett is holding out of team OTAs. The same Brissett projected to lead LaFleur's first Cardinals team in 2026.
Arizona opted to dump 2019 NFL Draft first overall pick Kyler Murray to reopen the QB competition in the desert. But Brissett and the franchise appear to not be on good speaking terms. Especially with LaFleur and general manager Monti Ossenfort refusing to commit to an official QB1. Brissett even posted an Instagram story featuring laughing emojis in a post clearly calling out the front office.
LaFleur attempted to ease concerns involving the team and Brissett on Monday, though. ESPN Cardinals insider Josh Weinfuss detailed a conversation the incoming head coach is having with the disgruntled quarterback.
“Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur said the discussions with QB Jacoby Brissett are ‘same as where we were a few weeks ago.' Brissett was not at Arizona's first OTA of the offseason, which was voluntary,” Weinfuss began via the social media website X, formerly Twitter.
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He adds that LaFleur contacted Brissett regarding installing the playbook for this Arizona offense. Weinfuss added how the rookie coach is showing no worry about the holdout.
“LaFleur didn't sound too worried about Brissett missing OTAs because he's been around for a decade and has ‘done probably everything that we've ever done schematically. It's just a little bit different verbiage,'” Weinfuss added.
Brissett isn't the only one absent from the field. Running back James Conner is not participating, but largely due to recovering from his previous foot injury.
The Arizona Cardinals face an early distraction in the beginning of the Mike LaFleur era. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett is holding out of team OTAs. The same Brissett projected to lead LaFleur's first Cardinals team in 2026. Arizona opted to dump 2019 NFL Draft first overall pick Kyler Murray to reopen the QB competition in the desert.