The Kyler Murray-Cardinals standoff calmed down around the draft, after the situation escalated in the weeks preceding it. But the Pro Bowl quarterback will stay away from his team while it is free to do so.
As the Cardinals begin their first set of OTAs this week, their centerpiece player did not report. Murray will not attend this week’s set of OTAs, per Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Given this offseason’s developments, it would be a surprise if Murray showed for the team’s final two sets of OTAs — June 1-3 and June 6-9 — absent an extension.
Although Kliff Kingsbury said he expects Murray to be at the team’s mandatory minicamp next month, all remains quiet on the contract front, Schefter adds. Murray’s camp has applied some pressure on the team to hammer out an extension, first seeking one before the draft. With that in the rear-view mirror, Murray can stay away from the Cards’ workouts for a bit.
While minicamp would be the next notable chapter here, training camp represents the point when this becomes a true stalemate. The 2020 CBA prevents teams from waiving fines for camp holdouts, which would put Murray to a test. The former No. 1 overall pick is attached to a $965K base salary this year, though he is playing out a contract that contained $35MM guaranteed. Murray has a bit more in the bank than most rookie-contract players, making a potential holdout more realistic than it otherwise would. The Cards also picked up his fully guaranteed fifth-year option — worth $29.7MM — for 2023.
For all the drama surrounding Murray’s future in Arizona, the fourth-year passer indicated last month he is not seeking to be traded. But he has long aimed for an extension ahead of this season. The team has kicked the can down the road a bit, with owner Michael Bidwill pointing to recent summer extensions for Patrick Mahomes (July 2020) and Josh Allen (August 2021) as a reason Murray should be patient. Kingsbury said Monday the team has not changed any plans regarding Murray being its long-term QB. The Cardinals, who have had just one quarterback start more than five seasons since relocating in 1988 (Jake Plummer, from 1997-2002), will soon be tested on the extension matter. The Browns’ Deshaun Watson deal made sure of that.
Cards should trade for Mayfield. Rumor is the Browns will eat some of his salary, so why not? Show Kyle both sides can play this game.
Their problems with building a worthy team around Murray won’t be helped by spending way too much money on a backup.
Murray isn’t helping acting like a child. Push him. That trade would show him (hopefully) that there are other options slightly cheaper than $40m a season.
If the Cards made the trade (they won’t; we know that) he would freak out and act even worse. Point being it’s an easy test to see his true character. Seems he’s more about money than winning to me.
None of those cheaper options could have brought that team to the playoffs last year. He spent half last season running for his life and they did nothing to fix the line. I don’t think it’s childish to push for some certainty. They have a bad GM and a bad coach. The problem is the people dragging their feet on locking up the star QB who’s the only first round pick they’ve used well in the last seven.
Always excuses. That 9-2 start means nothing? I agree the GM & HC are bad, but that doesn’t mean to pay a bad QB as well. They were predicted to be the number 1 seed up till Thanksgiving. But then it’s the coaches fault? Heck their BU QB went 2-1.
Kyle is overrated, like Baker is as well.
I don’t care how someone is rated. He’s really good, and has been really good with a rocky supporting cast and coach. I’m not saying he’s in the inner circle top tier, but he doesn’t need to be to merit a giant extension.
That’s right, he doesn’t merit a huge extension. Add some competition and then see where he really stands.
Competition for what? At worst, he’s an above average starter. If they didn’t think that, they would have traded him by now, because someone else would most certainly pay up.
QB comp. You really think Murray shouldn’t have any competition? Why? He chokes simple as that. Startle him with bringing in another 1st round pick and see how he performs & acts. It’s the perfect test to see if he’s worth what he thinks he’s worth.
Kyle would shrivel at that. And that means he’s not a QB1 taking them deep in the playoffs. He’s a spoiled brat, that’s it.
Give me a break. Spoiled brat? Listen to yourself.
I’m not the one who scrub his team from his SM accounts or sitting out OTA’s. He’s mental wimp, afraid to compete. Its really easy for OU to beat division 2 schools 73-0. Not the same in the NFL. He’s unable to earn that second contract which is why is crying like a baby.
Crying? You’re the one whining that you don’t like how someone else is going after a raise for the rare skill set he has for an extremely punishing job.
You’re a mental wimp as well. You act like these players are your friends or neighbors. You did this same crap with the Dallas TE a few weeks back. If Kyle was so awesome, then why did the cards scrub him from their SM sites? Kyle is average & for you to think he shouldn’t have competition says all I need to know about you.
You always love how you admire his 9-2 start, but the end of the season it’s a combo of bad teammates, HC of GM. Never about Kyle.
And you keep saying his name wrong like a fourth grader. Have a good night.
Arty is 100% spot on
Arty and KCJ are 100% spot…off?
If somebody you don’t even know scrubbing their SM upsets you this much I think you be the mental wimp in this scenario…
Enjoy being on the bench tomorrow during those phone calls! Just take notes dweeb.
Lol, if only you knew. Now run along little snowflake, it’s past your bedtime!
Are you writing a book called “How to Waste a First Round Pick on QB When You Already Have One” or something? Drafting a first round qb to create competition for a your 24 yr old, pro bowl, number one overall pick QB, coming off the teams first playoff appearance in years has got to be the stupidest thing I’ve read on this site. Who should they draft? Should they trade more first round picks to move up? I really want to know more about this terrible, terrible idea of yours.
Is there a difference between Mayfield and Murray? Mayfield is 27, Murray is 24. Browns had zero problems shelling out $230m for another QB with Baker on the roster. What’s the difference between Baker and Murray? Both are Heisman QB’s from the same school. Why not let them compete again? That’s my whole point. Off is the one who thinks he’s friends with the players and is jealous when someone pushes back against them.
Lol! Because the Cleveland Browns are really who you want to model your NFL franchise after! They are the definition of excellence in this league! LMAO! Stop joking around brah.
Anyone using the term “snowflake” like you do should not be taken seriously. You’re like 2 years late on that one, bro
Sounds like something a snowflake would say. Hang in there bud, things will get better.
When did I use the Browns in this thread? I used a player on the Browns. Slightly different.
“Browns had zero problems shelling out $230m for another qb with Baker on the roster. What’s the difference between Baker and Murray?” I guess it’s hard to keep track of your own words when spewing so much garbage?
Flake –
Josh Rosen? The Cardinals have no problem with this
Yes, because Josh Rosen won rookie of the year, made two pro bowls, and made the playoffs. That is totally a comparable situation to this! LMAO, giving you a like on this one because you made me laugh!
Murray would be a Super Super Star if he had a coach like Andy Reid or Sean Payton. The ENTIRE Cardinals Organization starting with the meat head GM Keim is a JOKE.
I agree that the Cards organization is terribly run. Can’t say Murray would or wouldn’t be a superstar.
Coward. Choose a side snowflake!
Interesting how these stories come up in the driest, deadest time of the year.
Business as usual.
How can he skip OTAs any other time than during OTAs?
Damn you and your logic rkmarx.
Becoming a cancer not a leader. Self centered Johnny Manzel 2.0
Manziel committed a bunch of crimes and played terribly in the NFL. Comparing the two is just a dislike of Murray gone beyond any rationality.
Just the OMG, is this player upset? Are they going to leave? Whether it’s OTAs or some other drama.
Odds are it’s agency tactics 101. Most things are about money, not feelings.
I’d give him an extension, but I would tie most of the big money to incentives/bonuses – such as making the playoffs and winning playoff games.
Is he going to get an Assistant GM title?
It’s just OTAs, people. Get a grip.
Or it’s just another prima donna NFL player, overrating his own value, while creating a cancer in the clubhouse and NOT being a role model for the younger players.
Oh no. How dare he model the behavior of wanting a contract commensurate with his contributions to the team.
Yeah 29.7 mil is a joke for someone who hasn’t won a damn thing that’s important. What an insult. I wish I could be so insulted. Earn your money – then make the demands.
Nah, pay the man.
Murray should man up and play out his contract and then collect his money, Oooof. The man is under contract.