Arizona enters the 2026 season in a rebuilding phase under new head coach Mike LaFleur. Despite the conventional wisdom of sitting a rookie quarterback behind a veteran to learn, the Cardinals should start Carson Beck in week one. The first-year quarterback has already begun to ignite minicamp, and Arizona fans are hopeful that they have a new face of the franchise.
Beck was selected in the third round of the draft after dropping from his former projected first-round talent. Following a strong 2023 season with the Georgia Bulldogs, he regressed in 2024, doubling his interceptions and tearing his UCL in the SEC Championship. Scouts raised concerns despite a solid 2025 outing with the Hurricanes, citing arm strength, decision-making, and handling pressure. Upon arriving in Arizona, Beck has become the focal point of a quarterback competition that is beginning to gain national attention.
While Beck has already begun turning heads in early minicamp, perceived starter Jacoby Brissett is holding out over a contract dispute. This front office battle has opened the door for the rookie to get first team snaps, building a rapport with the receivers, creating a huge media buzz with a beautiful back shoulder dot for a touchdown in camp. As Beck gains national attention, the question is being raised whether he should be a starter.
It has become common for NFL teams to sit their rookie quarterbacks behind a veteran to help them acclimate to the league and the speed of the game. The Cardinals reportedly looked to do the same by having Brissett start. Even though this is usually the long-term right move, Beck needs to be under center in week one. Brissett is the most overrated placeholder quarterback in the NFL. He has a 20-45 record in the league and an average QB rating of 86.4.
At best, Brissett is a game manager who needs a stellar defense to carry the team. He was in a similar circumstance in New England with Drake Maye on the sideline, only to find himself benched after a 1-4 start. Why waste time with a young team and hopeful fanbase, knowing Brissett will be lucky to make it halfway through the season, or worse, completely tank?
Can Carson Beck Excel At The Next Level?
The Cardinals have a young team with offensive talent. Between Trey McBride, Marvin Harrison Jr., and first-round pick Jeremiah Love, there is no shortage of potential weapons. With this supporting cast, Arizona needs to find out if Beck is the future of their franchise this year. Next year’s draft class is projected to have more talent at quarterback than in 2025, allowing for the Cardinals to test their current situation with the potential of upgrading in the event the season is a disaster.
Beck is high on confidence right now. In speaking to the media, he has the mentality of starting right away. Of course, all players should prepare as if they will play on Sunday, but there is a swagger there that needs to be maintained. He has started at two of the top colleges in the nation, playing on the biggest stages. Beck is no stranger to the limelight. Now with a chip on his shoulder, he is all the more ready to show the NFL what he has to offer.
Paired with an offensive coach from the McVay tree and solid weapons at each skill position, Beck is in a solid situation to prove he was worthy of the 2024 hype that had him projected as a first-round pick. No one expects the Cardinals to make noise this year. There is no pressure for a team that is at the bottom of the NFC West. There is no better opportunity than right now to determine if Beck is the long-term answer for the struggling franchise. If he is not, perhaps Arch Manning awaits in the wings in 2027.
