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Wednesday, January 7, 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.

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