How Arizona Cardinals are really thinking about Carson Beck as a rookie originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Arizona Cardinals approached this draft without a definitive solution at quarterback. In March, Kyler Murray was let go. Jacoby Brissett reportedly skipped offseason workouts and he is seeking a contract extension prior to reporting.
Gardner Minshew is in the building. The situation at the position is not tidy.
When Arizona selected Miami quarterback Carson Beck with the first pick in the third round at No. 65 on Friday, the question of whether Beck could compete for the starting position as a rookie arose almost instantly.
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Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort was not prepared to consider it
“We just want to get him in the building here and show him where the cafeteria is,” Ossenfort said at the podium with a smile. “Show him where the locker room is, get him fitted for his gear… and then we’ll see how things develop.”
Could Carson Beck compete for the starting job as a rookie?@davidbrandtAP asked that to Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort.
“We just want to get him in the building here and show him where the cafeteria is.” pic.twitter.com/5IVqlmC78O
— Jake García (@Jake_M_Garcia) April 25, 2026
Beck became the third quarterback chosen in this draft after Las Vegas’ Fernando Mendoza and the Rams‘ Ty Simpson. He played five seasons at Georgia before moving to Miami, where he completed 72.4 percent of his passes for 3,813 yards and 30 touchdowns in the Hurricanes’ quest for a national championship.
His complete college record as a starter was 37 wins and 6 losses.
Arizona welcomed Beck for a top-30 pre-draft visit, and head coach Mike LaFleur’s system was noted as a good match for Beck’s ball processing and delivery.
By selecting Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love at No. 3 overall and offensive lineman Chase Bisontis in the second round, the Cardinals are clearly engaged in a long-term rebuilding effort.
The patience appears correct in theory. What Beck ultimately demonstrates when practice pads are on will decide if Arizona can maintain it like that.
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