Cardinals Bench Brissett for Minshew II
Arizona promoted Gardner Minshew II to starter after Jacoby Brissett struggled in Sunday's loss to Dallas, sending Brissett to third on the depth chart.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Football
The Arizona Cardinals benched Jacoby Brissett and promoted Gardner Minshew II to the starting quarterback job, a change made during Sunday's game against Dallas and kept in place entering Week 9. Brissett completed 10 of 23 passes for 119 yards and an interception before being pulled.
Why it matters
Brissett's demotion leaves his future in Arizona uncertain and makes him a plausible trade candidate, with the Baltimore Ravens noted as a logical potential destination. Shifts in quarterback depth affect team trajectories and the value of players on the trade market before the deadline.
Brissett's 2025 season produced a career-high 3,366 passing yards and 23 touchdowns over 14 appearances, while Arizona guaranteed him $15.5 million for 2026 with incentives that could raise his value to $21 million. His 2026 salary-cap charge is $10.365 million.
The players
Jacoby Brissett
Veteran quarterback who was benched by the Arizona Cardinals after an interception and 10-of-23 passing performance against Dallas.
Gardner Minshew II
Quarterback who led Arizona to a 33-30 overtime win over Dallas and was promoted to the Cardinals' starting job.
Arizona Cardinals
NFL franchise that made the quarterback change from Brissett to Minshew and now carries Brissett's guaranteed contract.
Baltimore Ravens
NFL team identified as a logical potential trade destination for Brissett, which added Austin Reed to its practice squad on Monday.
The details
Arizona replaced Brissett with Minshew during Sunday's 33-30 overtime win over Dallas, after Brissett threw an interception. Carson Beck is now the Cardinals' backup behind Minshew, and Israel Woolfork, Arizona's former quarterbacks coach, joined the Ravens in 2026.
Timeline
2025 season: Brissett posted career-high 3,366 passing yards and 23 touchdowns.
Sunday: Minshew replaced Brissett during the Dallas game.
Monday: Baltimore added Austin Reed to its practice squad.
Week 9: Minshew's starting role becomes permanent for Arizona.
Nov. 10: NFL trade deadline.
Season Trajectory
Brissett's benching comes weeks before the NFL trade deadline on Nov. 10, when mid-season quarterback moves often reshape playoff contenders. Arizona's switch to Minshew signals how a team can reset its offense inside a single season without waiting for the offseason.
Fantasy managers should treat Minshew as Arizona's starter going forward, while Brissett's value drops until his trade status is settled. Any move before Nov. 10 would change which offense he plays in and which passing targets he can throw to.
The takeaway
Quarterback depth charts can shift in a single game, and a benched starter's contract often determines whether he stays or moves. Watch the trade deadline for how Arizona resolves Brissett's role.
What happens next
The NFL trade deadline on Nov. 10 is the key date for whether Brissett is moved before the season's second half.
Further reading
For more NFL roster and depth chart coverage, see our Football section.
