The Arizona Cardinals picked up the fifth-year option of quarterback Kyler Murray’s rookie contract on Wednesday.
The move guarantees Murray $29.7 million in 2023.
It also allows the two sides more time to negotiate a long-term deal. Murray expressed unhappiness with his contract earlier this offseason.
Murray will make about $5.5 million in salary and roster bonuses in 2022.
Arizona general manager Steve Keim has been adamant that the club won’t be trading Murray. He recently termed odds of moving his quarterback as “zero chance.”
Murray, who turns 25 in August, recently indicated that he wants to win Super Bowls with the Cardinals.
Murray was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Oklahoma. He was NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2019 and a Pro Bowl selection in each of the past two seasons.
Murray passed for 3,787 yards and 24 touchdowns against 10 interceptions and also rushed for 423 yards and five touchdowns last season.
He was in the league MVP conversation over the first half of the season as the Cardinals won their first seven games. But he injured an ankle on the final drive of a loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 8 and missed the next three games. His play wasn’t as stout after his return.
Murray made his playoff debut against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC wild-card round and his performance wasn’t good. He completed 19 of 34 passes for only 137 yards and two interceptions in a 34-11 loss.
In three seasons, Murray has a 22-23-1 record as a starter. He has passed for 11,480 yards, 70 touchdowns and 34 interceptions, while rushing for 1,786 yards and 20 scores in 46 starts.
–Field Level Media
