At some point, the Arizona Cardinals would have to engage Kyler Murray with contract extension talks.
They just didn’t expect it to happen this sudden when his agent Erik Burkhardt declared that Murray won’t play for the $5.5 million he’s due to make in the fourth year of his rookie contract.
Murray’s party would like to have the new deal done before he steps onto the field for the 2022 season.
Aside from the financial security, perhaps Murray wants to join an exclusive quarterback fraternity as pointed out by Spotrac.
Active QBs who were extended after their 3rd year in the league:
Patrick Mahomes
Josh Allen
Deshaun Watson
Jared Goff
Carson Wentz
Derek Carr
Russell Wilson
Aaron Rodgers— Spotrac (@spotrac) February 28, 2022
The website devoted to player contracts and salary cap breakdowns shared the names of active quarterbacks who got contract extensions after their third year in the league.
Per CBA rules, a rookie is eligible for extension talks after year three of his first deal.
The list includes league MVPs Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers.
Josh Allen and Deshaun Watson are also part of the group.
Completing the list of quarterbacks are Jared Goff, Carson Wentz, Derek Carr, and Russell Wilson.
What’s A Fair Deal For Murray?
As always, contract talks consider current market trends for the position.
That said, there’s no sense arguing that Murray will get less than Rodgers’ $33.5 million annual salary because the latter signed his deal years ago.
Therefore, Murray’s camp submitted a contract proposal worth near $40 million yearly.
That number puts him around the value of Watson and Dak Prescott, two players that have comparable accomplishments with him.
But as always with NFL contract negotiations, they drag along because team ownership would like a discount while the player’s camp aims for the top value.
Given how the situation is unfolding for the Cardinals, could it be that Murray will hold out until he signs a fresh contract?
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