Carson Beck Competing for Arizona Cardinals Starting QB Job This Summer

Rookie quarterback Carson Beck is making an impressive push to earn playing time with the Arizona Cardinals, spending roughly 13 hours daily at the team's Tempe facility during the offseason to prepare for his first NFL season. The third-round pick from Miami, who is 24 years old, is working extensively with offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett and quarterbacks coach Matt Schaub to master the team's professional playbook, which he acknowledges differs significantly from his college experience. Beck acknowledged that the transition is primarily mental rather than physical, as he adapts to the timing and chemistry required at the NFL level.

Beck is expected to be part of a three-man quarterback competition when the Cardinals' training camp begins on July 22. His primary challengers are veteran Gardner Minshew, who signed a $5.75 million one-year deal with approximately $5 million guaranteed and had success during his 2023 Pro Bowl selection with the Indianapolis Colts, and Jacoby Brissett, a 33-year-old journeyman who had appeared to be the front-runner after posting 3,366 passing yards, 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions over 14 games last season. However, Brissett's contract situation—he is guaranteed just $1.5 million for next season—has reportedly created dissatisfaction, and he skipped voluntary workouts before appearing only to observe during mandatory OTA sessions.

First-year Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur, who brings his quick-hitting offensive scheme from the Los Angeles Rams, is not yet focused on determining the starting quarterback but rather on ensuring all candidates are prepared when training camp commences. Beck views the upcoming preseason Hall of Fame game on August 6 in Canton, Ohio—which will provide the Cardinals with an extra week of practice—as a critical opportunity to showcase his abilities. The Cardinals' quarterback situation remains fluid, with speculation that college prospect Brendan Sorsby could potentially be acquired in the supplemental draft, though the team has not indicated their level of interest.