SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Former Arizona CardinalsLarge receiver Larry FitzgeraldWasn’t sure what to do with quarterback Kyler MurrayHe deleted all but two of his Instagram posts and unfollowed the Cardinals. But he hopes that the two sides can have a harmonious relationship, and they get what they want.
Tuesday’s R.S. Fitzgerald speech was given by Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald spoke Tuesday at the R.S. Family Foundation Dream Day at WM Phoenix Open. This was his first interview with the media since he retired from playing in 2020.
Fitzgerald said that Kyler had not spoken to him in a while and looked happy in the Pro Bowl. He seemed to be having a lot of fun, throwing touchdowns out. “I hope it all works out as both sides desire. This is what it really boils down to for me. I love Kyler and the Cardinals, and I wish the best for everyone.”
Fitzgerald’s comments were made after Murray deleted all of his Instagram posts except two, one showing him in an Oklahoma Sooners jersey from 2018, and another Sunday post that featured nine photos of him at the Pro Bowl. His account was deleted shortly after the game in which Murray threw 160 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception in a loss to the NFC.
Murray’s decision not to remove the Cardinals posts and unfollow them is unknown. Perhaps he and the Cardinals have had an ugly relationship or he was trying to rebrand.
Murray is entering his final year of his rookie deal, but the Cardinals have until May 2, to take up his fifth-year option. Murray, however, is still eligible to negotiate his deal after he has finished his third season.
Murray is currently set to receive a base salary in 2022 of $965,000, but Murray will also be eligible for a $4.5M roster bonus. This bonus is fully guaranteed on the fifth of each league year.
Murray will have a precedent to reference if he wants to sign a new contract before the fourth NFL season. Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh AllenIn August, he was awarded a 6-year contract worth $258 Million. This was before he began his fourth season.
Since being No. Murray was the No. 1 overall pick in 2019 and has been named rookie-of-the-year. He also received two Pro Bowls.
Cardinals receiver Christian KirkMurray’s close friend, Kirk, stated that he has been away from social media in recent weeks so he hasn’t witnessed firsthand the chatter about Murray’s Instagram. Kirk claimed that he hasn’t reacted to the move.
Kirk, who is scheduled to become an Unrestricted Free Agent this offseason, did mention that Murray’s future will affect his move this offseason.
Kirk said, “The guy’s doing the right thing.” Kirk said, “I don’t have any control over that and that’s all that I can say about that.”