Kyler Murray Has Leapfrogged Several Big NFL Stars

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray got a hefty contract after three NFL seasons.

It’s another feat that puts him on the same page as Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen.

However, he trumps both quarterbacks in terms of annual average value.

The highest-paid QBs in the NFL pic.twitter.com/hvwisMT2NP

— PFF (@PFF) July 21, 2022

Pro Football Focus tweets that Murray is now the second-highest paid quarterback in the league after Aaron Rodgers‘ $50.3 million average.

Murray defeats Deshaun Watson‘s annual average value by $100,000 but the Cleveland Browns quarterback received a five-year, $230 million fully-guaranteed deal.

Meanwhile, the former Oklahoma standout only has $160 million in guaranteed money, including a $29 million signing bonus.

Mahomes’ annual value is $1 million less while Allen’s is $3 million away.

Those values seem unfair, especially because Mahomes has won a Super Bowl while Allen has delivered playoff victories to the Buffalo Bills.

In contrast, Murray lost his first postseason game in lopsided fashion against division rival Los Angeles Rams.

However, Murray has the leverage over the Cardinals because he threatened to not play in 2022 without a contract extension in place.

He also released a lengthy statement through his agent, Erik Burkhardt, detailing the reasons for getting an extension.

The Cardinals have no answers at quarterback if he decided to sit out the season.

Therefore, the 2019 top overall selection pulled off a power move over his team.

Murray’s Deal Elevates The Quarterback Market

If Murray is receiving an average of $46.1 million annually, imagine what Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson could command.

Though he represents himself, Jackson has a playoff win and is a former league MVP.

He is also the only quarterback in NFL history with multiple 1,000-yard rushing seasons.

Those achievements, as well as Murray’s contract, will be factored in once Jackson and the Ravens start their contract negotiations.

With that deal, the ceiling of the quarterback market might be reset once again.