The Arizona Cardinals have not yet named their starting quarterback for the upcoming season, general manager Monti Ossenfort said during a pre-draft press conference with coach Mike LaFleur on April 16.
The decision holds significance as the team evaluates its options ahead of the NFL Draft and prepares to build a competitive roster. The Cardinals’ current quarterback lineup includes Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew, and Kedon Slovis. Brissett started the final 12 games last season, while Minshew had limited playing time after backing up Patrick Mahomes.
“We’re not really naming anybody,” Ossenfort said when asked about who will be QB1. “We’ll see how that room looks by the time we get in August.” LaFleur also commented on the situation: “Both those guys have played a lot of football. Right now, none of that is even being discussed because all we’re trying to do is get a foundational aspect of what this system looks like.”
Ossenfort indicated he is comfortable with the current quarterbacks heading into training camp but did not rule out selecting another in next week’s draft. Experts have linked Alabama’s Ty Simpson to Arizona as a potential pick in the second round, though other teams could select him first.
LaFleur addressed whether a rookie quarterback might sit behind veterans or start immediately: “If all things are equal, then yeah, you’d rather have that veteran kind of show that guy,” he said. “But again, if we all believe as an organization that the young guy is going to give you the best chance during that 60-minute game to win, then you’re going to throw them out there.” The coaching staff also values player dedication and love for football when making decisions about new prospects.
As reported by the official website, the Arizona Cardinals are a professional football team in the NFC West division serving the greater Phoenix area and hosting home games in Glendale, Arizona. The franchise stands as both one of professional football’s oldest continuously operating teams and an NFC champion from 2008.