Murray? Murray? Present!
Kyler Murray was in attendance at the Arizona Cardinals’ OTAs Wednesday, despite an ongoing contract dispute as he looks for an extension that would get him off his rookie deal. It was reportedly Murray’s second day in Arizona’s facilities, as he tries to get back onto the field.
Murray, who has been responsible for at least 4,000 yards passing and rushing in each of his first three NFL seasons, has been sending mixed messages about his desires since the offseason, oscillating between scrubbing the Cardinals from his social media and saying he wants to play for the team long-term.
MORE: Aaron Donald ‘at peace’ with retirement amid contract negotiations with Rams
Whatever ends up happening, Murray is at the very least willing to practice with the team, indicating that although negotiations are ongoing there isn’t animosity with the team.
@K1 on the field. pic.twitter.com/Jwr7zJ4xyx
— Darren Urban (@Cardschatter) June 1, 2022
According to Mike Garofolo, Murray’s presence is an indicator of “good faith” in his negotiations with the team.
Today is actually Kyler Murray’s second day at the #AZCardinals’ facility. Back on the field in a show of “good faith” in contract talks 👇🏼 https://t.co/7tdIVj4LFK
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) June 1, 2022
Despite the contract clouds hanging heavy over Murray and the Cardinals, the team seems happy to have him back. Kelvin Beachem referred to it as being like “the first day of school,” per Bo Brack, whereas Kliff Kingsbury said regardless of where Murray was spending the offseason they were talking. He also said Murray may or may not continue to participate.
“You’ll have to show up next time and see,” he said to the press. “Day-to-day around here. But no, it was good to have him. We’ve been in constant communication, so we’ll just kinda take it one day at a time.”
MORE: Browns’ Baker Mayfield, 49ers’ Deebo Samuel among notable absences at NFL OTAs
Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury says he doesn’t know if this is the only voluntary OTA session Kyler Murray plans on attending but he and the QB are constantly communicating pic.twitter.com/ylbDOFxDiY
— PHNX Cardinals (@PHNX_Cardinals) June 1, 2022
Murray is under contract through the 2023-24 season, with the Cardinals having already picked up the fifth year option on his contract. He helped to lead the Cardinals to a playoff berth last season. Mandatory training camp will begin July 27, at which point Murray would begin to see fines for absences if he doesn’t report.