Just what was that statement from the agent of Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray’s agent and what was it trying to accomplish?
In something that looked like a ransom letter that was made with a 1970s typewriter, it sure was awkward to read that entire statement that Erik Burkhardt released to the public on Monday on behalf of his client, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray. Anytime a statement of that length is released, the “too long, didn’t read it” crowd comes out.
Who can blame them when the entire statement is formatted in caps lock? What was even weirder than the entire statement itself was that it was through Burkhardt and not said directly by Murray. The “love me or else” nature of the letter was just awkward, especially for a quarterback that had a similar statistical season as New England Patriots rookie quarterback Mac Jones.
The cherry on top of it all is that Murray’s agent (Burkhardt) has bumbled deals in the past. When the New York Jets were trying to renegotiate safety Marcus Maye‘s contract, Burkhardt reportedly encouraged Maye to hide a DUI arrest that the Jets apparently did not know about. It backfired like a Wile E. Coyote stunt and now Maye isn’t expected to make as much money as he once could.
Kyler Murray must prove he can win consistently to earn an extension from the Arizona Cardinals
Arizona did win 11 games last season, but it’s always the quality and the “how” of those wins that truly matter. As the old football saying goes, “the eye in the sky never lies” or “the film never lies”.
11 wins feels like the bare minimum for a franchise quarterback, not the golden standard. While it’s not a one-person game, the Cardinals shouldn’t be in a rush to give Murray the big bucks.
Imagine saying to the team that gave you a chance in the NFL this weird ultimatum. There’s no reason to award $40-45 million per year to a guy who hasn’t been able to lead his team to a win over the lowly Detroit Lions or to a victory in the playoffs.
To partially quote Ricky Bobby, “(we) are a little confused by your tactics” Mr. Murray.