It’s been a bizarre offseason for Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, who, in a clumsy statement released through his agent earlier this week, made abundantly clear he’s seeking a contract extension that would make him among the highest-paid players at his position.
Murray’s talent and athleticism are without question, though many aren’t convinced of his leadership qualities, alienating teammates with behavior described as both “self-centered” and “immature.” The former first overall pick also ruffled feathers with his refusal to take the field late in Arizona’s postseason loss to the Rams, insisting he was “done” despite encouragement from coaches and teammates including backup quarterback Colt McCoy.
High-maintenance superstars are nothing new in today’s age of player empowerment (in what has become a yearly occurrence, Aaron Rodgers appears poised to hold Green Bay hostage again this offseason) and, damning as the past month has been to Murray’s professional reputation, Arizona will almost certainly cave to his demands, rewarding their franchise quarterback with an extension paying well into nine figures. Veteran journalist Larry Fitzgerald Sr., father of former Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald, didn’t mince words weighing in on Murray, calling the 24-year-old “spoiled” and in need of humbling.
Fitzgerald, whose 17,560 career receiving yards rank second in NFL history, was considerably more diplomatic than his father when discussing Murray last month, telling ESPN he “loves” Kyler and “wants the best for everybody.” It’s hard to say if Murray is just experiencing a mere rough patch on his inevitable path to NFL greatness or if the fourth-year signal-caller is in danger of letting his ego derail what could have been a promising career. Regardless, it doesn’t seem the Cardinals, who just doled out extensions to coach Kliff Kingsbury and GM Steve Keim, are in any rush to pay him.
Related
Related
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram