GLENDALE – Every rebuilding team eventually faces the same uncomfortable question: Is the short-term struggle worth the long-term payoff? For the Arizona Cardinals, that debate centers on one name, Jacoby Brissett.

Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) warms up before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

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Brissett represents stability. He’s an experienced veteran, respected in locker rooms, and capable of managing an offense without imploding it. But stability isn’t the same thing as a long-term solution. Around the league, the blueprint for quarterback success still heavily favors elite draft positioning.

Alabama’s Ty Simpson (15) a touchdown pass during the College Football Playoff game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Friday Dec. 19, 2025. Syndication: The Oklahoman © SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

This year’s draft could present an unexpected opportunity. Alabama’s Ty Simpson and Miami’s Carson Beck are quarterbacks some evaluators believe could develop into NFL starters if placed in the right system. If either slides into a reasonable range, the Cardinals could face a pivotal choice of waiting for a potentially stronger class or taking a calculated swing now. This year’s draft class isn’t as talented as what is to come in 2027. That’s where names like Oregon’s Dante Moore and Texas’ Arch Manning enter the conversation. Both are viewed by scouts as potential franchise quarterbacks, and securing a chance at that level of talent often requires finishing near the bottom of the standings.

Nov 28, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning warms up before a game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

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For Cardinals fans, the debate isn’t just about talent evaluation; it’s about timing. Tank strategies are risky. Future quarterback classes can change dramatically in a year due to injuries, development, or draft declarations. Passing on a viable prospect today for a hypothetical one tomorrow has burned franchises before. The Cardinals’ decision ultimately comes down to philosophy: commit to the long game with Brissett as a bridge, or seize an opportunity if the draft board breaks their way, either this year or next. The quarterback conversation in Arizona is just getting started, and fans could be arguing about it until draft night arrives.

Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen