Cardinals HC Mike LaFleur Sends Telling Message Amid Jacoby Brissett Situation

Arizona Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur isn’t sounding alarm bells over Jacoby Brissett's absence from Organized Team Activities (OTAs), but his latest comments were nevertheless telling amid what has quickly become one of the NFL‘s more closely watched storylines.

Brissett was not present for the Cardinals' first OTA session, and reports around the situation have linked the absence to contract concerns, with speculation that the veteran quarterback wants starter-level compensation after Arizona's offseason quarterback reshuffling.

Yet, LaFleur's message on Monday was notably calm.

"The same as where we were a few weeks ago," LaFleur said of discussions with Brissett. Asked whether the two sides had been communicating remotely about the offense, he added: "We've had contact. I'll keep it at that."

The Cardinals' first-year head coach didn’t describe a fractured relationship. Instead, he leaned on Brissett's résumé, noting that the quarterback has spent roughly a decade in NFL systems and has "done probably everything that we’ve ever done schematically."

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OTAs are voluntary offseason practices. No pads. No live tackling. Heavy emphasis on installing schemes, timing, communication, conditioning, and teaching.

For quarterbacks, though, they can be more meaningful than for almost any other position. Play calls, protection checks, cadence, chemistry with receivers. This is the time when all of that can get established, and it’s especially important when there’s a new system in place.

That being said, missing OTAs does not automatically equal crisis. Veterans skip them every year for personal reasons, contract disputes, training preferences, or leverage plays.

But when the missing player is the projected starting quarterback under a new head coach with a new offensive structure, it naturally draws extra attention.

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So, should Cardinals fans be sweating?

LaFleur's relaxed posture makes it seem like there’s nothing to worry about, but a lot can happen in the coming weeks.

The next major checkpoint is mandatory minicamp, scheduled for June 8 to 10, when attendance is no longer optional.

That date is the one fans should circle.

If Brissett unavailable, the choice is between veteran journeyman Gardner Minshew and third-round rookie Carson Beck.

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This story was originally published May 18, 2026 at 5:13 PM.