The Arizona Cardinals have agreed to a one-year, $8 million contract with Gardner Minshew II, a former Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, marking a new chapter as they prepare for the 2026 season. This signing comes shortly after the team informed Kyler Murray that he will be released before the next league year begins, signaling a shift in the Cardinals’ quarterback roster.
Details of Minshew’s Contract and Roster Context
Minshew’s deal, reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, will officially take effect when the 2026 league year starts at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday. Alongside Minshew, the Cardinals will have Jacoby Brissett and rookie undrafted free agent Kedon Slovis under contract, forming the current quarterback group following Murray’s departure.
Minshew’s Recent Playing History and Injury Status
During the 2025 season, Minshew saw limited action backing up Patrick Mahomes with the Chiefs. He was initially expected to start after Mahomes suffered a season-ending ACL injury in Week 15, but Minshew himself experienced a knee injury the following week. Although early reports suggested a possible torn ACL, Schefter clarified that it was
a bone bruise that did not require any surgery.
This update lessened concerns about his long-term fitness.
Performance and Competition Within the Team
Minshew’s last significant starting experience came in 2024 with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he started nine games and recorded 2,013 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, leading the team to a 2-7 record. His opportunity to earn a starting role with Arizona may hinge on Brissett’s situation.
Brissett took over the starting role amid Murray’s inconsistent play and injuries during 2025, completing 64.9 percent of his passes for 3,366 yards with 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions over 12 starts. The Cardinals ended the season 1-11 during his time as the starter, yet his overall performance has outshone Murray’s recent struggles.
Possible Moves and Draft Implications for the Cardinals
CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones has noted that the Cardinals might explore trading Brissett, possibly for a late-round draft pick. The team has also been linked to other quarterback targets such as Malik Willis, who ultimately signed with the Miami Dolphins, and Jimmy Garoppolo, who has attracted interest from the Los Angeles Rams.
With seven selections in the 2026 NFL draft—including the No. 3 and No. 34 overall picks—the Cardinals hold substantial leverage to pursue quarterbacks if needed once the draft begins on April 23 in Pittsburgh. These assets give the franchise flexibility to shape its roster moving forward.
Outlook for the Cardinals with New Quarterback Arrangements
The addition of Gardner Minshew offers the Cardinals a veteran presence at quarterback as they rebuild their offense following Murray’s departure. Minshew’s signing reflects a cautious yet hopeful approach to stabilizing the position, while the competition with Brissett and Slovis will determine the team’s direction. The upcoming draft and possible trades provide further opportunities for Arizona to strengthen its roster heading into the next season.
Source: Former Chiefs QB Gardner Minshew II reached agreement today on a one-year, $8 million deal with the Arizona Cardinals. pic.twitter.com/n00IG4czNA
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2026
As it turns out, Chiefs QB Gardner Minshew did not tear his ACL as initially feared, per source. It turned out to be a bone bruise that did not require any surgery. Minshew didn’t suffer any long-term damage to the knee and he already is back to full strength as he prepares to… pic.twitter.com/M7fDxw4F04
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 28, 2026
Do the Rams want to re-sign Jimmy Garoppolo?
"Absolutely. I love Jimmy. Would absolutely love him back."
McVay says he has seen the reports that "Mike [LaFleur] wants to steal our guy."
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) March 3, 2026
