Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray made a serious threat of not playing in 2022.
He strongly feels that his base salary this season does not justify the success he has brought to the squad.
However, that stand could change if the team gives him a rightful contract extension based on the surging quarterback market.
His agent, Erik Burkhardt, canceled an earlier offer to put more pressure on the front office.
The details of that offer were not disclosed, but prevailing trends dictate that the annual base rate for a starting quarterback is $40 million.
There are no clear developments regarding contract negotiations, but Murray will skip the Cardinals’ offseason workout programs.
If both parties don’t come to terms, there’s a possibility that Murray will seek a trade.
However, team owner Michal Bidwill clarified their approach, as shared by Arizona Republic writer Kent Somers
Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill on speculation @K1 could be traded: "Yea, that’s not happening. There’s just too much outside noise that people listen to. We understand that’s just part of what goes on these days with social media. It’s just not the case.”
— Kent Somers (@kentsomers) April 21, 2022
Bidwill said regarding a potential trade, “Yea, that’s not happening. There’s just too much outside noise that people listen to. We understand that’s just part of what goes on these days with social media. It’s just not the case.”
Cardinals Willing To Engage With Murray
That statement means that the Cardinals are also willing to extend Murray.
But if they had their way, they might prefer to do it after this season.
In that case, Arizona could pick up Murray’s fifth-year option, giving them more time to discuss his next contract.
They could also give him the franchise tag to extend Murray for two seasons.
After all, they don’t have many options once the Pro Bowl quarterback decides to leave.
Unfortunately, the Cardinals don’t have much leverage because replacing Murray would be difficult.
Therefore, Murray might get what he wants.
Leave a Reply