Kyler Murray wanted the bag so the Arizona Cardinals gave the quarterback a five-year contract extension worth $230.5 million.
Murray – the 2018 Heisman Trophy Winner and multisport superstar from Oklahoma – turned down a MLB contract with the Oakland A’s, opting to pursue professional football instead of baseball. The Arizona Cardinals drafted Murray with the first overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Murray will become the second-highest paid quarterback in the NFL behind Aaron Rodgers, who signed a $200 million contract in March. Once his new contract kicks in, Murray will average $46.1 million per season. Only Rodgers will earn more at $50.3 million.
| NFL Top 5 Highest Paid QBs |
- Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers) $50.3 million
- Kyler Murray (Arizona Cardinals) $46.1 million
- Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs) $46 million
- Deshaun Watson (Cleveland Browns) $45 million
- Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills) $43 million
The Cardinals were 11-6 last season and secured an NFC wild-card spot, but were spanked 34-11 by the LA Rams and made a quick exit from the playoffs.
The Cardinals are +3500 odds to win Super Bowl 57 according to DraftKings. In NFC championship futures, the Cardinals are +2000 odds as the eighth-best favorite in the conference. You can back the Cardinals to win the NFC West at +400 odds as the third-best divisional favorite on the board behind the LA Rams (+125) and San Francisco 49ers (+150).
Murray: $160 million guaranteed
The Cardinals trigged a fifth-year option on Murray’s original rookie contract, which covers next season. Even though his contract isn’t up until 2023, Murray wanted to work out a deal before the season begins so he could secure a guaranteed paycheck while concentrating on winning games for the Cardinals.
When the season ended, Murray scrubbed all of his social media accounts of anything linking him to the Arizona Cardinals. Erik Burkhardt, Murray’s agent, indicated it was a negotiating tactic and that his client wanted to remain in Phoenix. Murray was a no-show at the optional OTAs and also skipped the mandatory minicamp.
Murray will secure $105 million in guarantees as soon as he officially inks his new contract. His extension has $160 million in total guarantees. Only Deshaun Watson signed a contract with a bigger guarantee, with the Cleveland Browns paying him at least $230 million.
Unlike other major professional sports, contracts aren’t guaranteed due to the brutal nature of the NFL. That’s why it’s important for star players to get as much guaranteed money as possible because one injury can end their careers.
According to ESPN, Murray became the first player in his first three NFL seasons to throw 70 touchdowns, rush for 20 touchdowns, pass for 3,5000 yards, and rush for 400 yards. In addition, he posted 17 games with a 70% completion rate or better. The accurate Murray also holds a record for the best completion rate of 66.86% completion for any quarterback in his first three seasons.