Tensions are running high between the Arizona Cardinals and star quarterback Kyler Murray.
After the Pro Bowl two weeks ago, Murray went to the length of deleting Cardinals-related materials from his Instagram page. That led to some concern. A few days later, ESPN NFL insider Chris Mortenson reported that there was very much trouble in paradise between Murray and the organization.
“The odd vibe between the Cardinals and Kyler Murray is indeed alarming: Murray is described as self-centered, immature and finger pointer, per sources,” he tweeted. “Murray is frustrated with franchise and was embarrassed by playoff loss to Rams and thinks he’s been framed as the scapegoat.
“Where’s it headed? Despite the acrimony, the Cardinals expect things to calm down and Murray is their QB. Select veterans hope to reach Murray on how he handle adversity better. Coach Kliff Kingsbury also is self-scouting where he can provide better alternatives for QB.”
This past week, radio host John Gambadoro reported on Arizona Sports’ “Wolf & Luke” show that Murray somewhat regretted his decision to scrub his social profile.
“I’ve heard talking to a whole bunch of different people that he definitely regrets that this all came out,” he said on Wednesday.
“So I do believe that it was a mistake. I think he believes that it was a mistake that all of this came out and they’ve got to move on.”
The question is: how will that moving on ultimately look? Obviously if everyone can move past the drama then that’s great. But some core issues would need to be sorted before then. Namely, Murray’s next contract.
If a deal cant be worked out, then three logical trade options have presented themselves in recent days.
The first, obviously, is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With Tom Brady retiring this group obviously has a giant hole at quarterback that needs to be filled. Although there has been some chatter of Deshaun Watson heading to Florida, there hasn’t been much of substance corroborating those reports. Murray would learn a ton from Bruce Arians and immediately have a bunch of weapons to work with.
The New Orleans Saints also make a whole lot of sense. Most sportsbooks still have Jameis Winston as the favorite to be this squad’s quarterback next year, but Sean Payton’s exit has thrown everything in the air. Murray is very much in play here.
Finally, don’t sleep on the Denver Broncos. This team refused to trade for Aaron Rodgers for a very good reason that eventually turned into a very bad reason. Then the same thing happened with Justin Fields in the draft. If given the opportunity to acquire someone of Murray’s talents, the Broncos can’t whiff again. They just can’t.
The photos speak for themselves. https://t.co/OVL3ubaoDq
— Game 7 (@game7__) February 18, 2022
This is shaping up to be an interesting next few months.
Will Murray ultimately start the 2022-23 NFL season as a member of the Cardinals? Time will tell.
Related: 1 NBA Team Lakers Want To Face In NBA Playoffs
Charles Kruger has been credentialed to cover two Super Bowls, four NBA Finals, and one World Series. A 20-year veteran in the sports world, he has sources spanning the NBA, MLB, NFL, UFC and NASCAR. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Calif., he is Game 7’s go-to source for rumors surrounding the Lakers, Clippers and Dodgers.
