Tuesday, July 28, 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

Feb 5, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; A NFL shield logo at the NFL Honors Red Carpet before Super Bowl LX at Palace of Fine Arts.

NFL Sounds Alarm on ‘Objectionable’ Prediction Markets

The league flagged a number of concerns as the deadline for public comments hit.
Sponsored

The Football Marketing Offensive Playbook

Why football is a powerful brand stage in sports, and how to activate during the moments that matter most to football fans.
Feb 4, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Carolina Panthers former receiver Steve Smith Sr. on the NFL Network set at the Super Bowl LX media center at the Moscone Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Exclusive

Steve Smith Slated for ESPN Studio Role

The former All-Pro receiver has been with NFL Network since 2017.

Packers Say Other NFL Teams Have An ‘ATM Machine’ They Lack

The NFL team reiterates it will not sell the Lambeau Field naming rights.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

7/28/26 – 76ers’ Huge TV Boost, UNC GM Investigation, Stanford’s Unionization Process

0:00

Featured Today

Tom's Watch Bar

Sports Bars Are Cashing In From Summer of Soccer

The World Cup has brought a windfall to America’s biggest sports bars.
Jun 16, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; France forward Michael Olise (11) controls the ball against Senegal during a Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at New York New Jersey Stadium
July 16, 2026

Where World Cup Stars Go to Customize Their Cleats

The world’s best players turn to a Scottish craftsman for perfect cleats.
July 10, 2026

What the World Cup Means to Erling Haaland’s Tiny Hometown

The tournament’s breakout star is from a rural Norwegian town.
July 10, 2026

Why So Many Media Outlets Are Rushing Into Sports

Sports coverage has ballooned in every corner of media.
Pillow Fight Championship
July 8, 2026

How Obscure Sports Get Mainstream TV Deals

For niche sports, getting on TV often matters more than getting paid.
Sep 22, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) and Patriots head coach Bill Belichick walk along the sidelines before their game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Gronk on His Favorite Memorabilia and Belichick’s Jersey-Swap Ban

Gronkowski also discussed Belichick’s approach to managing his personality.
May 2, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) speaks during a news conference at the team’s Rookie Minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
July 24, 2026

Mendoza Signs $57M Contract While Pavia’s Path Uncertain

The No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft finally signed his rookie contract.
July 24, 2026

WNBA Union Leaders Sidestep Cathy Engelbert Questions 

Engelbert will speak at a press conference Saturday.
Sponsored

Inside the EY 2026 Sports Engagement Index: The Real Map of American Sports Participation

EY’s latest index explores how shifting U.S. fan behaviors are expanding the definition of sports engagement.
July 22, 2026

Jonathan Vaughters Defends Late-Night Tour de France Drug Tests 

“Do you want the appearance of clean, or do you want clean and fair?”
July 22, 2026

Jake Paul Responds to Critics: ‘I Brought Boxing to Netflix’

Paul believes the Tyson fight’s Netflix audience will never be matched.
kyle rudolph
July 22, 2026

Former Viking Kyle Rudolph: Private Equity ‘Great’ for the NFL

Private equity makes “these assets a little more liquid.”
July 21, 2026

Caitlin Clark, Sabrina Ionescu Skipping WNBA 3-Point Contest

Only two 2026 WNBA All-Stars are participating.