The Arizona Cardinals selected Miami quarterback Carson Beck with the 65th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, marking the first selection of the third round on Day 2 of the draft held in Pittsburgh.
Beck, a veteran of 43 college starts across his career at Georgia and Miami, becomes the youngest quarterback in Arizona’s room despite his extensive experience. He joins veterans Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew II in the Cardinals’ quarterback group.
The selection addresses Arizona’s need for quarterback depth following the departure of former No. 1 overall pick Kyler Murray in March. General Manager Monti Ossenfort opened the third round by choosing Beck, who was widely considered the third-best quarterback in this year’s draft class behind Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson.
Beck finished the 2025 season with 3,813 passing yards and 30 touchdowns although leading Miami to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. His collegiate resume includes two national championships with the Bulldogs before transferring to Miami.
“Experience matters and obviously having a ton of experience in college and having played a ton of games, you see how experience continues to teach you and continues to better you,” Beck said after the selection. “Obviously just coming in with an open heart, open mind, and just trying to be a sponge and learn everything I can.”
Beck admitted he was uncertain about his immediate role with the Cardinals when asked about competing for the starting job. “I haven’t even stepped into the facility yet,” Beck said, via team transcript. “My approach to this whole entire thing is being myself, being the best player that I possibly can be and just trying to take advantage of every single opportunity that I’m given.”
The Cardinals currently lack a clear long-term solution at quarterback after moving on from Murray. Beck’s selection adds a developmental project to a room that includes Brissett, whose attendance at offseason workouts remains uncertain pending contract negotiations, and Minshew.
Head Coach Mike LaFleur stated the organization wants to acclimate Beck to the facility before making any decisions about the quarterback hierarchy. “We wish to get him in the building and show him around before we make any decisions at the position,” LaFleur said.
Beck’s selection represents a continuation of Arizona’s strategy to address quarterback depth through the draft. The team did not name a starter entering the offseason, leaving the competition open between Beck, Brissett, Minshew, and any other veterans on the roster.
The pick comes at No. 65 making Beck the third quarterback selected in the 2026 NFL Draft after Ty Simpson went 13th to the Los Angeles Rams in the first round and Fernando Mendoza was chosen earlier in Day 2.
Arizona’s quarterback situation remains fluid entering training camp, with Beck now positioned to compete for playing time while continuing his development in the NFL. The Cardinals will evaluate all options during organized team activities and training camp before determining their approach for the 2026 season.
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