Kyler Murray drew attention over the weekend for his social media activity, and speculation is mounting over the meaning of his move.
Murray scrubbed his social media profiles, erasing all references to his NFL team — the Arizona Cardinals — and nearly all his photos (more here).
So, what was his motivation for doing so? NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport says he asked Murray’s agent about the move, and the agent “did not comment.”
Radio host George Wrighster, a former NFL player, says there was something to Murray’s actions.
Sources: Kyler Murray unfollowing the Arizona Cardinals and removing things team related from Instagram is not “nothing”. He is discontent about his contract situation while the team wants to see if he can remain healthy for a season and win in the playoffs w/Kingsbury. pic.twitter.com/nPbACCKUcM
— George Wrighster III (@georgewrighster) February 7, 2022
The prevailing belief at this point is that Murray is angling for a contract extension from Arizona.
Murray is entering the final season of his rookie contract and set to make around $11.4 million in 2022. The team holds a fifth-year contract option for Murray that would pay him $25 million in 2023. He is currently eligible for a contract extension.
Is Murray pushing the Cardinals to win him over by showing him the money? The more Arizona pays him now, the harder it would be to build the rest of their roster. At the same time, Arizona doesn’t want to lose their franchise quarterback.
This could be an offseason saga to watch.
Photo: Dec 8, 2019; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) against the Pittsburgh Steelers at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
