Troy Aikman doubts Arizona Cardinals start Kyler Murray over Jacoby Brissett when healthy: 'I don't think you can'

When the Arizona Cardinals signed Jacoby Brissett this past March, they likely never envisioned the possibility of a quarterback controversy ensuing. After all, Kyler Murray was on a $230 million contract and firmly entrenched as the team’s starting quarterback.

Week 9 of the 2025 NFL season is now a wrap. Yes, Murray is still around, making lots of money. But is he still the undisputed QB1 in Arizona? Three-time Super Bowl champion and ESPN analyst Troy Aikman isn’t convinced.

“I don’t think they will [put Murray back as starting quarterback],” Aikman said. “I don’t think you can, quite honestly, because it wasn’t like they were playing good offensively while Kyler Murray was playing. The best football’s been the last three games. This win, this is big. And I don’t know how you then send Jacoby Brissett to the bench.”

Aikman’s comments came in the immediate aftermath of the Cardinals’ 27-17 road win over the Dallas Cowboys on Monday. Aikman was on the call alongside Joe Buck, and they watched as Arizona put together perhaps its sharpest offensive performance to snap a five-game losing streak.

With Murray nursing a foot sprain, Brissett made his third consecutive start. He was impressive, completing 21-of-31 passes for 261 yards and two touchdowns. Brissett established a connection with wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who caught a career-high seven passes for 96 yards and a score.

Jacoby Brissett makes strong case to become QB1 over Kyler Murray

Murray appeared close to being ready to play against Dallas. Next up for the Cardinals is a Week 10 road matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Aikman firmly believes Arizona should move forward with Brissett under center.

“I do [think Brissett should be the starter],” Aikman said. “I think you gotta put aside salaries and what someone’s being paid and look at the performance and how the team has played to this point. I think as we discussed, Jacoby Brissett has given a little life to this offense. They looked better the last two games coming into tonight.

“… My guess is they’re gonna stick with Jacoby Brissett. He’s been good and tonight he was phenomenal.”

Ultimately, that’s a decision for head coach Jonathan Gannon to make. Asked after the game if Murray is the starter once he’s healthy, Gannon said, “nothing’s changed on that.” Pressed on whether Brissett has earned more playing time, Gannon answered, “nothing to add to that.”