It seems quarterback Kyler Murray might not be the most well-liked determine contained in the Arizona Cardinals locker room this winter.
Nicely-known NFL insider Michael Silver reported for Bally Sports activities that an unnamed Cardinals veteran mentioned that “it was like they created a monster” when the franchise paid Murray final 12 months.
“As soon as paid, the veteran mentioned, Murray felt much less compulsion to review his recreation plan or to meet the expectations of the franchise QB place than he had up to now, and the Cardinals’ collapse felt predictable,” Silver added.
A doubtlessly awkward state of affairs that would’ve concerned Murray holding out via the preseason appeared to be solved when it was realized in July he and the Cardinals had agreed to a five-year contract extension reportedly price $230.5 million with $160 million assured.
Murray repeatedly didn’t play as much as that deal because the Cardinals fell to 4-8, and he then suffered a season-ending damage in Week 14.
Earlier than the Cardinals fired head coach Kliff Kingsbury, he steered Murray will not be prepared for the beginning of the 2023 marketing campaign after the 25-year-old required ACL surgical procedure that included some meniscus restore.
“As a result of he now has monetary safety and depends closely on velocity and mobility, Murray could not really feel compelled to push it,” Silver wrote about Murray’s restoration.
The Cardinals are looking for a brand new coach and new common supervisor following the departure of Steve Keim. It has been mentioned former New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton is a Murray “fan” and in addition might wish to decide his personal GM, so maybe Payton and the Cardinals might show to be a match made in heaven.
Bettering Murray’s general play could shortly turn into the highest activity looming over the incoming Arizona teaching workers. Per ESPN stats, Murray ended the season twenty third amongst certified gamers with an 87.2 passer ranking, nineteenth with a 52.1 complete QBR, and lifeless final with a median of 6.1 yards per go try. In fewer than 11 accomplished video games, he threw 14 landing passes and rushed for 3 further scores, however he additionally tossed seven interceptions.