The Arizona Cardinals were one of the best teams in the NFL for much of last season. They faltered late and were blown out of their first postseason appearance in six seasons.
It was embarrassing for everyone involved and, since the end of the season, there has been drama. There was talk of a heated meeting between owner Michael Bidwill, general manager Steve Keim and head coach Kliff Kingsbury. Quarterback Kyler Murray has been in the news because of things the organization has said about him and because of a recent statement by his agent pressing the team to get a long-term contract done with him.
One of the reasons cited in the statement is the need for commitment to the organization and to Murray.
And the truth is the Cardinals, who are trying to be in a win-now mode, have almost no long-term commitment to anyone right now.
That could hurt them in this offseason.
They are not committed to Keim or Kingsbury beyond this year. Keim is in the final year of his contract and so is Kingsbury. Murray is in the final year of his contract, although Keim has stated the team will obviously pick up the fifth-year option of his contract.
In fact, excluding recent draft picks, the Cardinals only have DeAndre Hopkins, Budda Baker and Rodney Hudson under contract through 2023.
As free agency begins in two weeks, remember that. Will any notable free agent want to sign a multi-year deal with a team whose coach and GM are only under contract this coming year?
You can understand why Murray is seeking commitment. The Cardinals aren’t showing it to anyone right now.
Will they be able to attract anyone trying to land a long-term deal? Keep that in mind as free agency begins.
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