The timing of Kyler Murray’s social media scrub is something very few have focused on.
Most have felt it was connected to a desire for a new contract, but it might have actually been because of his experience in the Pro Bowl.
Contract extension negotiations rarely take place in late January or early February. Agents and teams tend to focus on the combine, the draft and players who will be free agents. Agents focus on new clients, how to prepare them and how to promote them to would-be teams interested in their services. Teams continue their scouting process on which players to interview and which college coaches to speak with. The NFL combine is scheduled to begin March 1.
Extensions for those on their rookie deals typically come during the summer months. Quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Deshaun Watson were all on rookie contracts when they received their extensions in the months of July, August and September, respectively.
In consecutive years, the Cardinals went from being a legitimate playoff contender and possible Super Bowl participant to a team struggling to find its way. In 2020, Arizona started 6-3. Murray injured his shoulder which affected his play for several weeks. The Cardinals finished 8-8 and missed the playoffs. In 2021, Arizona started 7-0. On the final play against the Packers in Week 8, Murray sustained a high ankle sprain, sidelining him for the next 37 days. The Cardinals were 9-2 when he returned, but finished the season 11-6.
Both Murray and head coach Kliff Kingsbury came under fire and were highly criticized after Arizona’s 34-11 playoff loss where Murray threw two interceptions and had a career-low passer rating of 40.9. Both quarterback and head coach looked overmatched and unprepared in every phase.
