AP Photo/David Becker
Kyler Murray’s situation is reportedly still up in the air as the 2022 season approaches.
NFL Networks Tom Pelissero reported that the Arizona Cardinals have not made a new contract offer since quarterback agent Erik Burkhardt informed them he was withdrawing his opening proposal.
Pelissero suggested it would be a “surprise” if Murray sticks with a deal that is expected to pay him about $5.5 million in 2022, especially as the market saw a dramatic shift when Aaron Rodgers, Deshaun Watson, Matthew Stafford and Derek Carr all signed contract extensions worth $40 million or more this offseason.
According to NFL.com’s Kevin Patra, sources told Pelissero that Murray is unlikely to play for the Cardinals again without a new deal.
While the two sides still haven’t reached an agreement, Pelissero also reported that the team “is insisting” it won’t trade him, even with “other teams watching closely.”
Murray addressed his status with the cardinals last month when he told reporters, “I’m a cardinal from Arizona. I have done nothing but give my all to the Cardinals and will continue to do so. I’m not really worried about my future as a cardinal.”
The topic of his future gained momentum in February when the quarterback unfollowed the team on Instagram and deleted Cardinals-related content from the social media platform.
That such a move came as he prepared to enter the final guaranteed year of his rookie deal and after struggling against the Los Angeles Rams during a playoff loss made it all the more remarkable, but he suggested that the social media actions received too much attention.
“When you’re a kid my age, you’re used to people (posts) taking off,” said the 24-year-old. “That’s just one thing. I removed everything but one picture from there. It had nothing to do with the Cardinals or anything like that.”
Nevertheless, Burkhardt released a statement in February that his client was looking for a new contract.
Arizona made Murray its franchise quarterback when it picked him with the #1 overall pick of the 2019 draft, and he responded quickly as Offensive Rookie of the Year. This was followed by two straight Pro Bowl appearances as a dual-threat playmaker, capable of injuring opposing defenses with his arm and legs.
While he completed just 19 of 34 passes for 137 yards, zero touchdowns and two interceptions in that playoff loss to the Rams, there’s little reason to think the Texas native won’t improve further as one of the brightest young players in the world League.
Maybe that means the Cardinals will eventually sign him to a long-term deal, but it hasn’t happened yet.