The message from star quarterback Kyler Murray and his agent, Erik Burkhardt, directed to the Arizona Cardinals is crystal clear.
“Actions speak louder than words in this volatile business,” a statement from Burkhardt said Monday morning.
Kyler Murray wants a new contract
What does that mean? Murray, 24, is a Pro Bowl selection and wants a new contract — a big one.
Burkhardt disclosed that he has already sent a detailed contract proposal to the Cardinals. Indeed, he wants market value for his client.
“Kyler wants to be direct with loyal Arizona Cardinals fans and the great community of the Valley in stating his two very important goals and objectives: 1) He absolutely wants to be your long-term QB. 2) He desperately wants to win the Super Bowl,” Burkhardt stated.
“Achieving both goals will take incredible commitment from himself and the entire organization. … To overtly communicate Kyler’s desire to be the Cardinals’ long-term QB, we sent a detailed contract proposal to the organization.
“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 add additional free agents, and, most importantly, represents a real commitment from the organization to see if their ultimate goals align with 2 above (consistently competing for championships and Kyler as their QB).
“Actions speak louder than words in this volatile business. It is now simply up to the Cardinals to decide if they prioritize their rapidly improving 24-year-old, already two-time Pro Bowl QB, who led the organization from 3 wins before his arrival to 11 wins and their first playoff appearance in 5 years or rather, if they choose to financially prioritize committing to other areas and continuing to merely talk about addressing Kyler’s long-term future as their QB.
“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. Kyler remains hopeful that the organization chooses to commit so that he can continue leading the Cardinals to further success and value for many years to come.”
Arizona Cardinals playing nice with Murray
The Cardinals have been working to smooth things over with Murray, engaging in some damage control Friday morning. Now, this becomes a hot topic heading into the NFL Scouting Combine this week.
After a social media flap and anonymous reports that the Cardinals are concerned about the former Oklahoma standout’s maturity and leadership skills, the Cardinals have been trying to make nice with Murray publicly.
Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill praised the former top overall pick in a radio interview on AZ Sports in Phoenix just days ago, adding that the NFC West franchise wants to retain Murray for the future.
“Certainly, he’s part of our long-term plan,” said Bidwill, adding that he loves Murray and is confident in his future. Bidwill stated that speculation about the situation is “inconsistent” in regards to recent conversations Murray has had with the front office. Bottom line: Arizona wants to bolster their relationship with Murray, and it sounds like he’s open to that.
Murray breaks silence
Murray recently broke his silence. Thanks to negative anonymous comments about his supposed lack of maturity and leadership skills, Murray spoke out on social media.
Recently, a league source expressed confidence that this drama would eventually blow over, and the Cardinals will get on the same page with Murray. Another league source predicted no trade would happen. They added that the Cardinals would figure out a way to coexist with Murray. It sounds like both of those sources are correct.
The 24-year-old QB is a video game enthusiast known for his tendency to stick to himself and a small inner circle that includes his father, former Texas A&M quarterback Kevin Murray.
Murray recently scrubbed his Instagram account of any mention or photographs of the Cardinals. Furthermore, on Monday, February 14, one day after the Super Bowl and reports surfaced that he is upset about being scapegoated for the Cardinals’ late-season struggles, Murray spoke out.
The former top overall pick from Oklahoma didn’t mince words.
“I play this game for the love of it, for my teammates, everyone who has helped me get to this position that believed in me & to win championships,” Murray wrote on Twitter on his official verified account.
“All of this nonsense is not what I’m about, never has been, never will be. Anyone who has ever stepped between those lines with me knows how hard I go. Love me or hate me, but I’m going to continue to grow and get better.”
Cardinals issue statement on Murray’s status with team
The Cardinals previously issued a statement about Murray, who passed for 3,787 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions last season. He led Arizona to a 10-6 record while also rushing for 423 yards and 5 scores.
“Nothing has changed regarding our opinion and high regard for Kyler Murray,” the statement read. “We as a team and Kyler individually have improved each year he’s been in the league. We are excited to continue that improvement in 2022 and are excited that Kyler Murray is the quarterback leading us.”