Kyler Murray unwilling to play for Cardinals under current contract?

Kyler Murray has made it clear that he wants a new contract from the Arizona Cardinals, and he may not play in 2022 if he doesn’t get one.

Murray’s agent, Erik Burkhardt, put out a lengthy statement on Monday confirming speculation that the star quarterback is seeking an extension. Murray is set to make $5.5 million in the fourth year of his rookie contract next season, and NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero does not believe he will play for that number.

Pelissero is anticipating that Murray will hold out if the Cardinals do not re-work his deal or give him an extension. You can hear more below:

Kyler Murray is due about $5.5 million in 2022 in the fourth year of his rookie contract, and if today’s statement from his agent didn’t make it clear enough: I do not expect him to play for $5.5 million if an extension with the #Cardinals doesn’t materialize. @gmfb @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/Hk5bHcXah9

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 28, 2022

We often hear reports that star players are willing to miss regular-season games while in contract disputes. It rarely ever comes to that, as one side usually folds. The Cardinals have all the leverage in this situation, as they can also exercise the fifth-year option on Murray’s rookie deal this offseason.

Murray drew attention earlier this month when he scrubbed all Cardinals references from his social media profiles. He was clearly trying to send a message, though one report claimed he regretted going about it the way he did.

After Murray went public with his frustrations, some unflattering reports about him started trickling out. Murray responded with a message about his level of commitment to his teammates.

The Cardinals have improved dramatically since drafting Murray. You can understand why he feels he is worth more than he’s currently making. At the same time, the best way an NFL team can build a complete roster is to take advantage of having a quarterback on a rookie contract. Arizona is understandably in no hurry to give Murray more money. Time will tell how far he is willing to go to get it.

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