Kyler Murray Signs 5-Year, $230.5 Million Extension With Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray in 2019
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray in 2019. Photo by Sean Brown/CSM/Shutterstock (10511799z)

The Arizona Cardinals decided it was better to pay their star quarterback early than to risk returning to mediocrity in the position. The team just announced that they had signed Kyler Murray to a long-term extension that will keep the Pro Bowl signal-caller with the franchise for the foreseeable future.

The Cardinals didn’t share details of the deal but Murray, who has two years left on his rookie contract, reportedly signed for five more years. This will keep him under contract for at least through the 2028 NFL season.

Money-wise, the extension is worth $230.5 million, making Murray one of the best-paid players in the league. His $46.1 million annual salary trails only the Green Bay Packers Aaron Rodgers ($50.3 million), while $160 million guaranteed is only behind the amount Cleveland Browns gave Deshaun Watson ($230 million).

It isn’t often that teams give players a new deal after just three years, but the Arizona Cardinals didn’t really have a choice with Kyler Murray. The two-time Pro Bowler was pushing hard for the deal since the offseason started, and it appeared he is willing to enter a standoff with the franchise if his wishes are not met. The Cardinals had an option to drag things out and risk alienating him or have a happy camper in time for training camp. And expectedly, they picked the second option.

Since entering the NFL as the first overall pick in 2019, Murray compiled a 22-23-1 record as a starter while throwing for 11,480 yards, 70 touchdowns, and 34 interceptions. The Oklahoma product also added 1,786 yards on the ground and 20 rushing touchdowns.

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