This offseason was one of the busiest in league history in terms of quarterback movement. Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Deshaun Watson, Matt Ryan, Carson Wentz, Baker Mayfield, Russell Wilson, and Jimmy Garoppolo have all been the subject of a national headline at some point this offseason. Now, the next signal caller is stirring up the market.
According to Tom Pelissero, Kyler Murray‘s agent, Erik Burkhardt, pulled the initial contract proposal sent to Arizona, and Murray has made it known he will not play without a new deal.
The #Cardinals have yet to make a contract offer to Pro Bowl QB Kyler Murray, whose agent, Erik Burkhardt, informed the team weeks ago he was pulling his opening proposal off the table, per sources.
Other teams are monitoring closely; Arizona insists Murray won’t be traded.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 14, 2022
Both parties, Arizona and Murray, have publically downplayed any rift, but the league is monitoring the situation very closely. If the former #1 pick were to become available, nearly half the league would have interest. The Cardinals have Murray under contract through the 2023 season — if they pick up his fifth-year option, which is a given. They could also franchise tag him for two seasons after that, so Arizona isn’t in a position to listen to any trade offers.
Murray’s representatives put public pressure on Arizona earlier in the offseason, essentially demanding a lucrative contract extension or a subsequent trade to the highest bidder. Well, here is where the Falcons come into play.
Atlanta infamously rolled out the red carpet for Deshaun Watson, which blew up in their face. So, they were clearly open to acquiring a franchise quarterback in any medium. The Falcons eventually traded Matt Ryan for a measly third-rounder after the fallout from pursuing Watson.
There is a stopgap in place in Marcus Mariota; however, when a player of Murray’s caliber is made available, all of that goes out the window. Quarterback is the most important position in all of sports, and the Falcons won’t get back over .500 until they get it correct.
I would be shocked if Arizona gave into Murray and his agent’s demands. He’s one of the most talented quarterbacks in the league, and he’s just sniffing his potential. Something would have to be really wrong internally between the sides before they would even consider it. But if it does become a reality, and the Cardinals entertain shopping their franchise quarterback, the Falcons should be first in line.
Atlanta has the draft compensation to make a very enticing over, and they have the cap space after this season to give him the lucrative contract he desires. Building a roster around Murray is an entirely different story, but everything will be much easier once the Falcons have the future of the quarterback position figured out.
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