Carson Beck had no shortage of skeptics entering his rookie season. The former Georgia and Miami star faced criticism over everything from his mobility to his passion for the game, and as a third-round pick, expectations were minimal.
In his first taste of NFL action, Beck proved why he was a top-10 prospect once upon a time. Beck put on a show in the Hall of Fame Game, completing 15 of his 19 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers. He made plays in rhythm and showed impressive touch on both his deep balls and a touchdown pass to Simi Fehoko in the corner of the end zone.
Carson Beck Shines in His NFL Debut at the Hall of Fame Game 🔥
11/14, 148 Yards, 1 TD, 134.5 Passer Rating https://t.co/cN1wLXOaBipic.twitter.com/bY7WDUl6dk
— Football Performances (@NFLPerformances) August 7, 2026
Arizona dealt with a bit of a quarterback controversy this offseason as incumbent starter Jacoby Brissett held-in for an eventual one-year, $15.5 million deal. Brissett, who’s entering his 11th NFL season, threw for a career-high 23 touchdowns to only eight interceptions in 2025. The 33-year-old also went 1-11 as a starter, so it’s clear he isn’t the longterm answer. Neither is free agent signing Gardner Minshew.
We don’t know if Beck is the answer, but Thursday’s performance proved he has a chance. And that’s all that should really matter for Arizona, which is building for the future under first-year coach Mike LaFleur as the NFC West rival Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers are positioned to dominate the present.
When could Carson Beck start for Cardinals?
Brissett will likely start the season for the Cardinals considering his experience and contract. It seems unlikely he’ll finish it, however. Arizona has a bye in Week 14 followed by games against the New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, Las Vegas Raiders and 49ers. It’s a perfect runway for a Beck late-season starting stint, giving Arizona a decent sample size to evaluate whether it wants to build around Beck in 2027 or pivot to another option. What looked to be a bleak season for the Cardinals suddenly has intrigue.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Should Cardinals start Carson Beck after impressive preseason debut?