Cardinals Eye Garrett Nussmeier As Quarterback Room Questions Grow

Amid a competitive quarterback room, the Arizona Cardinals are eyeing a potential Round 3 draft pick to bolster their future under new head coach Mike LaFleur.

The Arizona Cardinals' quarterback room is an intriguing mix of experience and potential, featuring Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew, and Kedon Slovis. Brissett, now 33, is on his seventh NFL team, while Minshew, approaching 30, is with his sixth. Slovis, the youngest of the trio, enters his third year, bringing a fresh dynamic to the group.

The big question: Are the Cardinals content with their current QB lineup? Slovis, standing tall at 6’3” and weighing 205 pounds, might just be the future they’re banking on.

His college days at USC were impressive, earning him a First Team All-Pac 12 nod. With 11,689 passing yards, 80 touchdowns, and a 64.5% completion rate, Slovis has shown he can deliver.

Yet, his NFL experience remains limited.

Both Brissett and Minshew are signed through the 2026 season, but their futures could hinge on performance this year. The Cardinals have the option to extend their contracts or let them test free agency.

Enter new head coach Mike LaFleur, an offensive strategist who might be eyeing the draft for fresh talent. With the Cardinals holding the 65th pick, there’s speculation they could target a quarterback to develop under LaFleur’s guidance.

One prospect catching attention is an LSU standout with a solid college resume. At 6’2” and 172 pounds, his stats include a 4.82 40-time, 7,699 career passing yards, and 52 touchdowns. He’s also been recognized as the Senior Bowl MVP and earned multiple bowl MVP honors.

Strengths of this prospect include undeniable arm talent and a knack for thriving in play-action systems. He’s proven himself against top competition and shows starter potential with his command at the line and ability to deliver a tight, catchable ball.

However, questions remain about his durability and physicality in the NFL. His movement can be clunky, and he needs to work on evading defenders and improving accuracy on drive throws. Limited arm strength and physical traits are also concerns.

Despite these challenges, his steadiness in the pocket and skill in working within structure highlight a pro-ready skillset. He excels in timing, accuracy, and velocity, making him a fit for West Coast or rhythm-based systems, reminiscent of quarterbacks like Joe Burrow. While he may not have elite traits, his ability to make plays outside of structure offers a promising path forward.

As the draft approaches, the Cardinals have some decisions to make. Whether they stick with their current lineup or bring in new talent, the quarterback position will be pivotal in shaping their future.