GLENDALE – As the 2026 NFL draft approaches, the Ty Simpson hype train continues to ride high. The connection between the Alabama quarterback and the Arizona Cardinals are becoming stronger and stronger, with some experts believing the franchise could reach with its third overall pick. The pursuit for Simpson has dominated the headlines, but players currently inside the building already believes the starting QB for 2026 is on the team: Jacoby Brissett.
Center Hjalte Froholdt spoke with the media on Tuesday about his opinion on Brissett and gave his vote of confidence to be the starter for next season.
Dec 7, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Jon Gaines II (71) and Hjalte Froholdt (72) help up quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) after being sacked by the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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Froholdt on his belief in Brissett:
The two of them first played together in 2022 with the Cleveland Browns. Froholdt only started six games at center, but learned early on about the grit Brissett possessed. They reunited this past season, with the 33-year-old backup having the best year of his career alongside Froholdt.
Brissett threw for 3,366 passing yards, 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions, while Froholdt had a Pro Football Focus pass block grade of 72.0 and ranking 9th out of 40 centers. With an injury riddled offensive line, the tandem were some of the few bright spots for a 3-14 Cardinals team.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) warms up before they play against the Green Bay Packers at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Oct. 19, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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Despite his impressive numbers, Brissett isn’t guaranteed the starting job under new head coach Mike LaFleur. Arizona signed Gardner Minshew this past offseason, to compete against Brissett during camp. Add in the reports of the franchise’s interest in Simpson, Brissett is in serious trouble of losing the spot under center.
However, if more teammates speak highly, like Froholdt, of the 10-year pro, that could be enough for LaFleur to think about giving the keys to Brissett for one more season before reassessing the situation next offseason.
Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports