Carson Beck is going to start this season for Cardinals, and Arch Manning is the reason why

Why Carson Beck will start for Cardinals in 2026

The Cardinals have to figure out what they're doing at the most important position in sports.

Sure, Beck in a vacuum would probably benefit from some time to watch and learn, but Arizona can't go into the highly touted 2027 NFL Draft QB class without an idea of who Beck is.

That draft class potentially includes the likes of Arch Manning and Dante Moore. There's plenty of talent beyond them, too.

The Cardinals need to know if Beck gives them any reason to forego a quarterback out of that group.

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And frankly, if Beck struggles, it only helps the draft positioning.

"If Arizona falls out of playoff contention, don't be surprised if the team throws him out there to see what it has entering the 2027 draft," ESPN's Josh Weinfuss wrote as part of a new article on Thursday. "While starting Week 1 is a long shot, there's a distinct possibility of Beck playing at any point from Week 2 on."

Beck may play himself out of a job, or he could play himself into a long-term opportunity.

Either way, don't expect him to spend the whole season holding a clipboard.

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