Without question, Kyler Murray got the attention of the Arizona Cardinals.
Deleting photos and team-related information from his social media accounts strongly indicates that something’s amiss between the quarterback and the team.
When that happens, the person is essentially cutting ties with an individual or a group.
Could it be that he wants to play for another team?
Statement from Cardinals regarding the report from ESPN regarding Kyler Murray: "Nothing has changed regarding our opinion and high regard for Kyler Murray. We as a team and Kyler individually have improved each year he’s been in the league." (1 of 2)
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) February 13, 2022
Multiple reports claim that the former first overall pick is venting his frustration about the ending of their season.
Murray felt that he was the scapegoat for the Cardinals’ demise.
The timing of this issue is critical because the team has until May 2 to pick up his fifth-year option.
That’s why some of the team’s veterans and head coach Kliff Kingsbury tried to reach out to Murray.
J.J. Watt on the Kyler Murray social saga… pic.twitter.com/9bxUz48ON2
— PHNX Cardinals (@PHNX_Cardinals) February 12, 2022
The Cardinals even tried to copy what Murray did on his Instagram account.
But instead of the quarterback’s photo when he was playing at Oklahoma, they included a picture from his draft night.
Perhaps Murray’s frustration accumulated over his first three seasons in the league.
Unfortunately, there’s a pattern that the team couldn’t break, causing him to doubt the Cardinals’ ability to win the Super Bowl.
Start Strong, Finish Weak
It has been a trend for the Cardinals since Murray became their quarterback.
They will start the season strong, then somehow falter in the end.
In his first year in the league, Arizona started at 3-3-1 but ended at 5-10-1.
The Texas native won Offensive Rookie of the Year that season as a consolation.
Last week: Kyler Murray wipes his Instagram… only leaves 2 pictures up.
Today: Cardinals wipe their Instagram… only leave 2 pictures up (both of Kyler). pic.twitter.com/QbZtuE2KIF
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 11, 2022
Sadly, the same narrative happened over the next two years.
The Cardinals were are 5-3 midway into their 2020 campaign but closed at 8-8.
A year later, their 7-0 start unraveled to 11-6, losing the division to the Los Angeles Rams.
Sean McVay Has Kingsbury’s Number
The Cardinals have played against head coach Sean McVay and the Rams seven times throughout Kingsbury’s tenure.
They’ve won only one game, Week 4 of the 2021 season.
The Cardinals dominated the Rams, 37-20, with James Conner scoring two touchdowns.
But that’s the only success they’ve had against the defending Super Bowl champions.
Just like old times.@k1 ➡️ @_CeeDeeThree pic.twitter.com/tfEzs3zgbt
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) February 6, 2022
Arizona lost by an average of 14.16 points per game during their six losses, but their most bitter defeat occurred during the playoffs.
Their division rival dominated their Super Wild Card Weekend face-off.
The game was over by halftime, and Murray finished with only 137 passing yards.
He also threw two interceptions in that game and was sacked twice.
Matthew Stafford, congrats bro!
— Kyler Murray (@K1) February 14, 2022
Perhaps the problem isn’t solely on Murray but Kingsbury’s meltdowns against McVay.
The divide between the Cardinals and the Rams deepens now that Los Angeles owns the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
Will Murray Play Elsewhere?
There will be a massive demand for Murray’s services if he becomes available.
But the Cardinals will do everything they can to fix the situation.
The team now knows the weak spots they must improve.
Likewise, DeAndre Hopkins was out for most of the season due to injury, robbing Murray of a primary target.
It would still be better for Murray to remain with the Cardinals and possibly sign an extension.
#Cardinals Kyler Murray could want "50-55 million" annually in a potential extension. pic.twitter.com/3k4mjqSWNM
— Nathan McKinnon (@unathanmckinnon) February 9, 2022
He could use the latest Super Bowl trend of teams winning the championship on their home turf.
After all, Arizona hosts Super Bowl LVII, and getting that title would be a sweet vindication after their struggles.
NEXT: Cardinals Copy Kyler Murray On Instagram