Kyler Murray finally shows up to Arizona Cardinals OTAs
It is not uncommon for any NFL player to hold out in the offseason in order to show their displeasure with their current contract. Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray was missing for the beginning of Organization Team Activities (OTAs) however that changed on June 1.
Quarterback Kyler Murray is likely making thousands of Arizona Cardinals fans breathe a sigh of relief tonight as the news broke that he arrived in Tempe, AZ at the training facility for OTAs.
While the team activities are voluntary it shows Murray’s commitment to the team regardless of his contract situation.
Cardinals’ OTAs resume today and QB Kyler Murray is back in their training facility and expected to be on the practice field for the first time during their off-season program, per league source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 1, 2022
Murray made it clear during the offseason that he was unhappy with his contract after receiving his fifth-year option as opposed to a significant contract extension.
Murray had his agent release a statement expressing his loyalty to the “Red Sea” while at the same time expressing his feelings that he deserves his extension.
Murray likely had seen the likes of Aaron Rodgers, Patrick Mahomes, Dak Prescott, and more recently Derek Carr receive their big paydays and felt he deserved his own.
It would not have been a surprise to see Murray sit out OTA’s however here he is.
@k1 at Cardinals OTA today pic.twitter.com/wKHCo1o4td
— Craig Fouhy (@FouhyOnSports) June 1, 2022
The offseason leading into mandatory minicamp and ultimately training camp is extremely important to build up a team’s roster, especially in the NFL where the rosters change so frequently.
Murray will be heading into the season with a completely different receiving corps featuring his old friend and former Raven Marquise “Hollywood” Brown but without DeAndre Hopkins for the first six games and completely without Christian Kirk.
Murray being present at OTA’s may not be groundbreaking news but it is good news for the Cardinals front office, roster, and their fans.
The leader of the Cardinals is on the field leading his troops while at the same time showing the front office that he meant what he said — that he wants to win Super Bowls with the Cardinals and that Arizona is “home”.
Now the pressure is on to see if Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson mirrors Murray and shows up for his own OTA’s amidst contract discussions. Let’s see.