Quarterback Kyler Murray pressured the Arizona Cardinals to get a contract extension.
He and his agent, Erik Burkhardt, released a statement detailing Murray’s merit in getting a lucrative deal.
If not, he threatened to not play until a contract is in place.
It is the perfect time to cash in, given the surging market due to the deals signed by Aaron Rodgers and Deshaun Watson.
Meanwhile, the Cardinals are willing to give that contract but not by following the timeline Murray wanted.
They would like to buy time to manage their salary cap better.
No one knows if Murray will give in to what the Cardinals want.
The former Oklahoma standout does not have leverage, though, because the team can still have him for at least two years.
Kyler Murray will make $29.7 million fully guaranteed on the 5th year option that was just picked up because of the two Pro Bowls he made. I believe it will be the highest 5th year option ever paid out.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) April 27, 2022
Arizona Sports 98.7 FM talk show host John Gambadoro tweeted, “Kyler Murray will make $29.7 million fully guaranteed on the 5th year option that was just picked up because of the two Pro Bowls he made. I believe it will be the highest 5th-year option ever paid out.”
That amount is still lower than the prevailing annual rate of $40 million for franchise quarterbacks.
But it’s fully-guaranteed money and way bigger than his $965,000 base salary in 2022.
The Cardinals could also give him the franchise tag to extend Murray for three years.
However, two years should be enough to finalize a multi-year extension.
The Cardinals And Murray Need Each Other
Arizona doesn’t have a backup plan should Murray leave.
Likewise, he did help the Cardinals rise from three-game winners to playoff contenders.
Meanwhile, Murray should have much success with the team if all of his targets on offense are healthy.
With everything in place, could it be that head coach Kliff Kingsbury is the Cardinals’ weak link?
Murray doesn’t look like it after 3,787 passing yards, 423 rushing yards, and 29 total touchdowns.
NEXT: Cardinals Insider Reveals The Contract Plan For Kyler Murray