Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Beck (19) throws the ball against Carolina Panthers cornerback Corey Thornton (31) at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Carson Beck showed flashes of his ceiling in the NFL following his preseason debut for the Arizona Cardinals. So much so that former quarterback Chase Daniel compared the rookie to Matthew Stafford.
Beck is preparing for the first year of his career as a professional quarterback. He played six years in college, five with the Georgia Bulldogs and his sixth with the Miami Hurricanes. That final campaign was remarkable as he led the program to the national championship game before losing to the Indiana Hoosiers.
Arizona ended up selecting Beck in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, proving his value as a prospect in the league. He made his preseason debut against the Carolina Panthers, completing 15 out of 19 passes for 18 yards and a touchdown.
Daniel, who played in the NFL from 2009 to 2022, was in attendance for the preseason contest. What he saw in person compelled him to make the comparison between Beck and Stafford.
“Carson Beck looking like a young Matthew Stafford….the dude looks incredible comfortable. And just so you know… this is very difficult to do,” Daniel wrote on social media.
Carson Beck looking like a young Matthew Stafford….the dude looks incredible comfortable.
And just so you know… this is very difficult to do pic.twitter.com/jslOw59nxE
What lies ahead for Carson Beck, Cardinals
The Cardinals find themselves in a rebuilding period after moving on from Kyler Murray. Having regrouped in the offseason, they look to prove doubters wrong with Carson Beck and other promising prospects.
Beck hopes to exceed expectations while competing with Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew and Kedon Slovis in the quarterback room. The rookie flourished in his final collegiate season at Miami, completing 338 passes for 3,813 yards and 30 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
They will attempt to improve on their NFC-worst 3–14 record from 2025. Not only that, but they also intend to make the playoffs after a four-year absence and end their 10-year NFC West title drought.
The Cardinals' campaign will commence on the road against the Los Angeles Chargers. That matchup takes place on Sept. 13 at 4:25 p.m. ET.