OKLAHOMA – Zaven Collins ' exclusive conversation with Burn City Sports' Spenser Tilus about the Cardinals ' QB situation and contract extension carries significance beyond a routine training camp interview. For rebuilding NFL teams, the most meaningful endorsements often come from the players who have experienced both the highs and the struggles.
Oct 8, 2023; Glendale, Arizona , USA; Arizona Cardinals linebacker Zaven Collins (25) against the Cincinnati Bengals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
When discussing Arizona's quarterback room, Collins didn't focus on uncertainty. Instead, he emphasized confidence. Collins described the Cardinals as having "three really good quarterbacks" in Jacoby Brissett , Gardner Minshew and rookie Carson Beck . Asked whether Brissett could be the Week 1 starter, Collins pointed to the veteran's leadership and years of NFL experience, saying that presence would be valuable for the team.
Nov 3, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) is sacked by Arizona linebacker Collins (25) in the second half at State Farm Stadium. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Those comments matter because defensive leaders often judge quarterbacks by command of the locker room as much as by production on Sundays. Collins' confidence suggests Arizona values experience while allowing its younger quarterbacks to develop naturally. His comments about his own future may have been even more revealing.
Arizona linebacker Collins (25) hits Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) as he throws the ball at State Farm Stadium on Sept 14, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Collins said he has not discussed a contract extension yet and expects those conversations after the upcoming season, depending on what both sides agree upon. More importantly, he made his priorities clear. "Obviously I'd love to stay in Arizona. Arizona is home and has been home for six years." He also acknowledged becoming one of the franchise's longest-tenured players while praising everyone throughout the organization, from the new coaching staff and ownership to the gameday and field staff. Teams become contenders when talented players want to stay, not simply because they receive lucrative contracts, but because they believe in the direction of the organization.
For Cardinals fans, Collins' words offer more than optimism. They provide evidence that players inside the building believe Arizona is assembling the culture needed to compete for years to come. Sometimes the strongest sign of progress isn't found on the scoreboard; it's found in the players determined to be part of the future.
