Cardinals Pick Up Kyler Murray’s Fifth-Year Option

Not that it was ever in question, murky extension status notwithstanding, the Cardinals picked up Kyler Murray‘s fifth-year option Wednesday, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets.

This ties Murray to the Cardinals through 2023 and would give the Pro Bowl quarterback a substantial raise in that fifth year. Because Murray is a two-time Pro Bowler, he is eligible for the top-tier option price. For 2019 first-round QBs, that comes in at a fully guaranteed $29.7MM.

Murray, 24, should not be expected to play for that salary; the former No. 1 overall pick has been seeking an extension for months. Murray’s camp established a goal of the Cardinals extending the newly extension-eligible passer by the draft. It does not appear the team will comply. This situation has not yet become contentious, however, with Murray sending out multiple tweets affirming his desire to stay in Arizona.

Murray’s contract now including the 2023 season gives the Cards leverage, but the threat of a holdout by the 2018 Heisman winner could significantly affect Arizona’s preparations for the coming season. The 2020 CBA made holdouts more difficult to wage, but it does not seem Murray will be willing to play next season on his rookie contract. He is set to make $965K in 2022.

Extending standout QBs before their fourth seasons has been the norm, with Lamar Jackson being the exception among recent first-rounders. The upcoming Murray talks also represent the Cards’ first major negotiation with a homegrown quarterback since they relocated to Arizona in 1988, raising the stakes a bit for a franchise that has seen outside additions — Kurt Warner, Carson Palmer — be its top modern-era passers. With the sides having yet to begin negotiations, this saga figures to last deep into the offseason.