The Cardinals taking a quarterback during the draft seemed inevitable. The better question was when and who?
The answer came up Friday, when GM Monti Ossenfort opened the third round by taking Carson Beck, a veteran of 43 college starts who joins NFL veterans Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew II in the QB room.
Beck was one of college football's most experienced quarterbacks. Over his career at Georgia and Miami, Beck not only won two national championships with the Bulldogs but took the Hurricanes to the CFP Championship this past season. He finished the 2025 campaign with 3,813 yards and 30 touchdowns.
Despite that six-year college career, Beck finds himself as the youngest one in his new position room.
"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. "Obviously just coming in with an open heart, open mind, and just trying to be a sponge and learn everything I can."
Beck's addition brings a potential new member to the starting quarterback battle. Last week, general manager Monti Ossenfort said the Cardinals were not naming a starter right now. Beck wasn't going to fuel any storylines either.
"I'm not sure what's going to happen in the future," Beck said. "Just put my best foot forward each and every day."
Coach Mike LaFleur said they want to get him in the building and show him around before they make any decisions at the position.
Beck was widely considered QB3 in this draft class, cemented behind Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson. Throughout the process, the Cardinals and Beck were linked, especially if they did not draft Simpson.
Ossenfort said it wasn't necessarily a priority to add a quarterback, but with Beck still on the board, the Cardinals did not want to let him slide.
"He's big, he's tough, he's strong," Ossenfort said. "He stands strong in the pocket, not afraid to take a hit in the pocket. He's got good arm strength, and he can drive the ball down the field."
LaFleur added to Ossenfort's assessment, mentioning that Beck "looks the part" with his 6-foot-4, 235-pound frame.
But what had also stood out to LaFleur was Beck's response to adversity, both on and off the field. In 2024, Beck's season was derailed due to a UCL injury. His transfer to Miami also started out rocky.
"That's well documented," LaFleur said. "I think he's gotten better from it. I wasn't there through that journey the last few years but being able to get to know him and really spend some time, I really enjoyed my time with him."
Throughout his time in college, Beck became accustomed to playing in primetime games. But it's the game that happened at his new home that caught the attention of Ossenfort. At the Fiesta Bowl in January, which is played at State Farm Stadium, Beck orchestrated a game-winning drive to send Miami to the National Championship.
Not knowing it at the time, Ossenfort watched his future draft pick play under the brightest lights in their home venue.
"There's no bigger opportunities than a national semifinal," Ossenfort said. "Being able to answer the bell, lead his team, bring them down there in a tight game. Carson has been productive his whole step of his career at different spots. That game was no different."
Now, instead of sharing a huddle with Mark Fletcher Jr., Malachi Toney, and Keelan Marion, Beck will join a new locker room with Trey McBride, Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, and first-round pick Jeremiyah Love.
"You give them chances and you put the ball in their hands, and that's what it's about at the end of the day," Beck said. "I'm super excited for this opportunity. I mean, having that many talented guys around you at your disposal is always something good. It's definitely never anything bad."
