Cardinals QB depth chart: What Carson Beck draft pick means for Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew, Arizona's QB1 debate
TL;DR
The Arizona Cardinals have selected QB Carson Beck in the third round of the draft, adding complexity to their quarterback competition between Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew. Beck's college experience raises questions about his potential as a starter in the NFL.
Key points
- Arizona Cardinals selected Carson Beck in the third round.
- Beck adds youth to the quarterback room after Kyler Murray's release.
- Competition exists between Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew.
Cardinals QB depth chart: What Carson Beck draft pick means for Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew, Arizona's QB1 debate originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Arizona Cardinals have said they're planning a quarterback competition between veterans Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew this summer, but a new wrinkle just entered the mix.
The Cardinals selected Miami QB Carson Beck with the top pick of the third round, bringing him into a quarterback room that could use the youth infusion after Kyler Murray's release.
Beck has as much college experience under his belt as an NFL team could hope for, but questions about his viability as a starter at the next level lingered throughout the draft process.
Here's an updated look at the Cardinals' quarterback depth chart with Beck in the fold.
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Cardinals QB depth chart
| Rank | QB |
| 1 | Jacoby Brissett |
| 2 | Gardner Minshew |
| 3 | Carson Beck |
| 4 | Kedon Slovis |
Beck is a big name, but as a third-round pick, he will likely have to earn his way up the depth chart ahead of veterans Brissett and Minshew.
The Cardinals have said they are planning a competition between Brissett and Minshew, though Brissett is reportedly the heavy favorite to start after putting up respectable numbers in place of Murray last season. Brissett is currently planning to sit out offseason activities in hopes of a new contract that pays him like a starter, so it's possible Beck earns some valuable reps if that holdout continues.
Whether Beck can supplant Minshew, or both, in 2026 isn't clear. If Beck impresses in the offseason and preseason, the Cardinals could always look to trade Minshew for anything they can get and roll with the Miami product as Brissett's direct backup with a chance to start late in the season.
Former USC, BYU and Pittsburgh QB Kedon Slovis remains on the Cardinals' roster, but he has only two career pass attempts and now likely won't be more than a camp body with Slovis in the fold.
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Will Carson Beck start for the Cardinals?
Beck will likely start the season behind Brissett and perhaps behind both Brissett and Minshew, provided everyone is healthy, but starts can’t be ruled out at some point in his rookie season. If the Cardinals are firmly out of contention after 11 or 12 weeks, hypothetically, it would make plenty of sense to give Beck a few starts just to see what he can do before considering drafting a quarterback in the offseason.
Unlike some Day 2 quarterbacks in recent drafts, Beck isn’t a raw talent. He spent three seasons as a starter at the collegiate level and six seasons in college overall. Set to turn 24 in November, Beck still has to learn Mike LaFleur’s offense but should be more NFL-ready than a typical third-round quarterback.
Q&A
What does Carson Beck's draft pick mean for Jacoby Brissett?
Carson Beck's selection introduces competition for Jacoby Brissett, potentially impacting his chances of securing the starting QB position.
How does Carson Beck compare to Gardner Minshew in the Cardinals' QB competition?
Carson Beck's college experience adds a new dynamic to the competition with Gardner Minshew, who is also vying for the starting role.
What are the implications of Kyler Murray's release for the Cardinals' QB depth chart?
Kyler Murray's release opened up the quarterback position, leading to the Cardinals drafting Carson Beck and intensifying the competition among Brissett and Minshew.
