Kyler Murray has expressed interest in being the Arizona Cardinals' long-term starting quarterback. But apparently, this desire doesn't guarantee him suiting up and taking the field once the 2022 regular season arrives. According to an NFL Network report, the former first-overall pick isn't expected to play games for the franchise unless he receives a new contract. A new chapter of drama.
The report says that Arizona has yet to make an offer to Murray, whose agent, Erik Burkhardt, all but ordered elite-level dollars in a lengthy statement shared earlier this offseason. Consequently, Murray's team has reportedly rescinded its own contract proposal, so his future with the Cardinals remains unclear as the NFL Draft approaches. Murray is entering his fourth season in the league, and right now, his total cap hit for the 2022 campaign is $11.3 million.
"This is an organization that's looking for leadership, because they don't really necessarily have it with their quarterback," NFL insider Jordan Schultz told the Maggie and Perloff show on Thursday. "Based on conversations I've had, they don't want to extend him with the money he wants this offseason. The Bidwell family, ownership, is traditionally very, very cautious when it comes to handing out big contracts in general...
"One of two things can happen. One, he won't get the deal this summer. And he'll play it out, and then get that massive deal next summer. Or, because he does want the money guaranteed, he'll take somewhat less than he would've wanted -- which is still going to be a lot of money, but less -- guaranteed this summer, then he'll at least have the extension, moving forward. But, I don't see it, either way, this offseason, him getting the type of money he wants."
In early February, an ESPN report said that Murray felt he was "framed as the scapegoat" for the Cardinals' ghastly wild-card loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Criticism was warranted, as he threw for only 137 yards with two interceptions and a career-low 40.9 passer rating. Murray's ugly performance also included a costly and blooper-reel pick-six, and overall, he completed only 19 passes.
During the Cardinals' seven-game winning streak from September to October, the former Heisman Trophy winner posted a triple-digit passer rating six times. After Week 8, however, he only reached that mark twice. For the year, Murray completed a career-high 69-percent of his passes for 3,787 yards with 29 all-purpose touchdowns and 423 rushing yards. He also logged 10 picks and 13 own fumble recoveries.
The entire NFL conversation between Schultz and Maggie and Perloff can be accessed in the audio player above.
You can follow the Maggie and Perloff Show on Twitter @MaggieandPerl and Tom Hanslin @TomHanslin.
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