FOOTBALL – Kyler Murray: ‘I’m not really too worried about my future as a Cardinal’
For better or worse, Kyler Murray‘s offseason has been an eventful one. From the rampant speculation over his social media accounts to a public statement from his agent on the desire for a long-term contract extension, the past few weeks have left the desert swirling even without Murray speaking publicly.
It all changed on Thursday when Murray first spoke to the media since he removed all team mentions in his social media account in early February. The Cardinals quarterback, along with his future on the team today, has expanded his attention to catching the headlines he has received so far this offseason.
“I’m an Arizona Cardinal,” Murray said, via the team website. “I’ve done nothing but give my all to the Cardinals and will continue to do that. I’m not really too worried about my future as a Cardinal.”
Murray said he will focus on football and let “people who have to take care of that stuff take care of that stuff” when asked directly about a new contract. Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill and head coach Kliff Kingsbury have expressed their desire for Murray to be a pillar of their long-term plans. Heading into the fourth season of his rookie contract, the former No. 1 overall pick is due roughly $5.5 million with the team likely to pick up his fifth-year option, but the QB prefers a lucrative extension.
It all changed on Thursday when Murray first spoke to the media since he removed all team mentions in his social media account in early February. The Cardinals quarterback, along with his future on the team today, has expanded his attention to catching the headlines he has received so far this offseason.
“For a second there I was trending for, I want to say, five weeks in a row,” Murray said. “Every time I got on Twitter, I’m like, what are people talking about my name for, all this stuff? Obviously you got the whole social media stuff and coming out with whatever it was with the future. But honestly I am happy where I am at, where my feet are, keeping football the main thing like I always have.”
Murray added: “If you’re a kid of my age, you’re used to people (posts) taking off. That’s just one thing. I’ve removed everything but one from it. It’s the Cardinal and so on. It had nothing to do with anything. “
Murray was an early MVP candidate during the 2021 season, leading the Cardinals to an undefeated record through Week 7 and spearheading an offense that looked unstoppable in the early going. An ankle injury halted Murray and the Cards’ hot start, and though the team went on to clinch a wild-card spot, an early playoff exit was the bitter end to a once promising season.
He hasn’t secured the long-term deal he wants yet, but Murray may have helped calm speculation about his happiness with the team. The situation could only be resolved if Murray signed a new contract, but the Cardinals QB will share his feelings about Arizona.
“It’s an adopted home,” Murray said. “I’m personally wanting to be here long term to go out an impact people that live in Arizona.”
