Kyler Murray wants to be the Arizona Cardinals’ long-term quarterback, but is waiting to see if the team prioritizes his contract extension, his agent, Erik Burkhardt, said in a lengthy statement issued Monday to multiple reporters. Murray’s agent sent a “detailed” contract proposal to the Cardinals, he said.
“It was important to Kyler that his proposal reflected all of the following: provides financial protection, is in line with the current QB market that compares his results alongside relevant comps, lowers his 2022-23 salary cap number to allow the Cardinals to re-sign other deserving teammates and additional free agents, and most importantly represents a real commitment from the organization to see if their ultimate goals align with his two above (consistently competing for championships and Kyler being their QB),” Burkhardt said.
“Actions speak much louder than words in this volatile business.”
Murray’s long-term future in Arizona has been a major offseason question. In addition to reports the third-year quarterback was unhappy, Murray unfollowed the franchise and removed references of it from his social media earlier this month.
Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill told an Arizona radio station last week that he and Murray “have good conversations nonstop.”
“Put me in the corner of ‘I love him’ and I know he’s going to get better,” Bidwill said on “Bickley & Marotta.”
The No. 1 pick in the 2019 draft, Murray is still on his rookie contract as he enters his fourth season. He passed for 3,787 yards, 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions and ran for 423 yards in 14 regular-season starts last season, taking Arizona to its first playoff appearance since 2015.
Burkhardt said it is “simply up to the Cardinals to decide if they prioritize” the 24-year-old quarterback.
“Unfortunately, every player, coach and executive in the NFL knows (or should know) that words and hypothetical contractual promises are regularly dismissed and fleeting in this business,” Burkhardt said.