Wednesday, May 6, 2026

In Booming QB Market, Kyler Murray Unlikely to Play For $5.5M

  • Murray’s agent reportedly pulled his initial proposal to the Cardinals, who still haven’t made an offer.
  • Four QBs have gotten $40M/year contracts this offseason.
Quinn Harris-USA TODAY Sports

Kyler Murray has apparently had enough of watching other quarterbacks get big contracts in this offseason’s explosive market.

The 2019 No. 1 pick is entering the fourth season of his rookie deal, which pays an undesirable $5.5 million.

On Thursday, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that Murray’s agent pulled his initial proposal to the Cardinals, who still haven’t made an offer — and that the QB is unlikely to play without a new contract.

In an offseason where four QBs signed contracts in excess of $40 million per season, there’s logic behind Murray’s potential holdout.

  • Derek Carr, Raiders: three-year, $121.5M extension
  • Matthew Stafford, Rams: four-year, $160M extension
  • Deshaun Watson, Browns: five-year, $230M deal
  • Aaron Rodgers, Packers: three-year, $150.8M extension

Murray could be looking for a deal comparable to that of Josh Allen, who signed a six-year, $258 million ($43M AAV) extension with the Bills after his third NFL season.

If he’s planning a different route, there’s Lamar Jackson — who seems content betting on himself and taking a more patient approach.

The self-repped QB hasn’t reached an agreement with the Ravens and will likely play out the $23 million, fifth-year option of his rookie contract.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NFL Nears Referee Deal to Avoid Another ‘Fail Mary’ Disaster

The public vitriol between the two sides has lessened considerably.
Tottenham Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur Is Facing a Billion-Dollar Disaster

A seemingly improbable drop to England’s second tier is a tangible possibility.

ESPN Revenue Rises, but Disney’s Sports Profits Slip

Disney detailed the impact of heightened sports rights fees on the company.
Dave Checketts

Former Knicks Pres: Leagues, Sportsbooks Have Gotten Too Cozy

“I’m not sure that’s a good thing, this coziness that we’ve established.”

Featured Today

Cricket - Indian Premier League - IPL - Final - Royal Challengers Bengaluru v Punjab Kings - Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, India - June 4, 2025 Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Rajat Patidar lifts the trophy as he celebrates with teammates after winning the Indian Premier League

How Private Equity Fell in Love With Indian Cricket

India’s U.S.-style cricket league has become a private-equity playground.
Kaitlin Oaks (left) from Tampa looks at photos with Layla Abutha from Tampa while attending Thurby at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
May 1, 2026

Kentucky Derby Is Courting Gen Z

Churchill Downs is mixing traditional splendor with a youthful atmosphere.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 25: Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever sits on the baseline and makes photographs during the Indiana Pacers game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 25, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
April 22, 2026

Why Athletes Are Moonlighting As Sports Photographers

Athletes are swapping courtside seats for sideline cameras.
Quinnipiac women's varsity rugby
April 21, 2026

The Death of Quinnipiac Women’s Varsity Rugby

The sudden decision at Ilona Maher’s alma mater left players blindsided.

Napheesa Collier Admits Engelbert Rant Was For CBA Leverage

The WNBA and WNBPA agreed to a new labor deal in March.
Mar 28, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus reacts during her match against Coco Gauff of the United States in the final of the women’s singles at the Hard Rock Stadium.
May 5, 2026

Sabalenka, Gauff Suggest Grand Slam Boycott Over Prize Money Share

“Without us there wouldn’t be a tournament,” Sabalenka said.
May 6, 2026

U.S. Open Falls Behind Masters in Prize Money: ‘It’s Not a Race’

The Masters increased its purse to $22.5 million this year.
Sponsored

What Is It Like to Run the Knicks?

Dave Checketts on his time running the Knicks & Jazz, Jordan war stories, and his investment strategy across major sports leagues.
Apr 29, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) throws against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning at Truist Park.
May 5, 2026

Skubal’s Elbow Surgery Puts Free-Agent Record in Doubt

The star pitcher will likely be out of action for at least two months.
Apr 30, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Justin Rose watches his tee shot on the first hole during the first round of the Cadillac Championship golf tournament.
May 1, 2026

McLaren Golf CEO: Price Point of $375 Irons ‘Justified’

The luxury car maker is now in the golf game.
Mar 19, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; BYU Cougars forward AJ Dybantsa (3) dribbles against Texas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain (3) in the second half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center.
April 29, 2026

AJ Dybantsa Has Big NBA Plans. He’ll Chase Them While Wearing Nike

“Around sixth grade, that was my first dunk.”
Brendan Sorsby runs with the ball during the Texas Tech football team's spring game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Jones AT&T Stadium.
April 27, 2026

Texas Tech QB Sorsby to Seek Treatment for Gambling Addiction

The NCAA has reportedly opened an investigation into Sorsby’s betting activity.