​OKLAHOMA – Zaven Collins sat down with Burn City Sports’ Spenser Tilus for an exclusive talk that goes beyond a standard training camp chat, touching on the Cardinals’ quarterback situation, leadership, and the potential for a contract extension. For teams rebuilding in the NFL, the most meaningful endorsements often come from players who have ridden the peaks and endured the valleys, and Collins’ reflections fit that mold.
In discussing Arizona’s quarterback room, Collins chose to project confidence rather than dwell on uncertainty. He described the Cardinals as possessing “three really good quarterbacks” in Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew, and rookie Carson Beck. When asked if Brissett could be the Week 1 starter, Collins highlighted the veteran’s leadership and extensive NFL experience, arguing that such a presence would be invaluable as the team charts its course for the season.
These remarks matter because defensive leaders frequently evaluate quarterbacks not just by Sunday production but by their command within the locker room. Collins’ stated confidence signals that Arizona places a premium on experience while still allowing its younger signal-callers room to grow and develop. If there was a line in his comments that hinted at his own future with the organization, it was perhaps the most revealing part of the discussion.
Collins also addressed the topic of a possible contract extension. He said he has not yet opened negotiations and expects any discussions to occur after the coming season, depending on a mutual agreement between both sides. What he did emphasize, however, was where his priorities lie: “Obviously I’d love to stay in Arizona. Arizona is home and has been home for six years.” He went on to commend the entire organization—coaching staff, ownership, and the gameday and field crews alike—recognizing how every facet contributes to the franchise’s trajectory.
The broader takeaway for Cardinals fans is more than just optimism. Collins’ comments suggest that within the building, teammates, coaches, and leadership believe Arizona is constructing a culture with staying power. The confidence isn’t merely about the current roster or a single contract; it’s about a sustained commitment to a shared vision for competitive success in the years ahead.
This narrative is particularly meaningful because it hints at a deeper, long-term reality: while contracts and cap considerations might dominate headlines, the true engine of a rebuilding franchise is the belief among players that the organization is moving in the right direction. When you hear a player like Collins articulate a desire to remain and contribute, publicly commending every level of the organization, you see evidence that the team is fostering a cohesive, purpose-driven environment. In such contexts, progress is often measured not only by points on the scoreboard but by how strongly players buy into the mission and choose to invest their futures in the franchise.