When Kyler Murray succeeded Baker Mayfield as the starting quarterback for the Oklahoma Sooners, the offense never missed a beat. In back-to-back years, both he and Baker won Heisman’s and were the number one pick in their draft classes. Do you all remember when Kyler was deciding between entering the NFL Draft or playing baseball? He ended up picking football. Many thought he was making a mistake choosing football over baseball because of his build and not fitting the mold of your typical NFL quarterback. In 2019 when he was drafted, Kyler became the shortest quarterback ever selected in the first round. This past April, the Arizona Cardinals picked up his fifth-year option. Today, he was rewarded with a nice payday. He signed a five-year deal to remain in Arizona through the 2028 season. A $230.5 million contract extension with $160 million of that guaranteed.
When I watch him, I see so many similarities between him and Russell Wilson. Just like Russ, Kyler is always moving and making plays happen with his feet. I also like saying he plays with that backyard mindset meaning if the play breaks down, he will improvise at the last second to do just about anything to keep the play alive. I’ve always said if you want to limit a mobile quarterback, make him run to his least dominant side. That won’t work with Kyler because he can move the pocket to either side and will be effective, nonetheless. If you don’t contain him, he will move like a menace all over your defense. Kyler’s speed amazes me. Again, if you can’t catch him, he lets loose and as soon as he escapes the pocket, he turns it on. Let’s talk about his ability as a passer. When given the time, Kyler will pick a defense apart from the pocket with his arm. He can also make those throws on the run with pure accuracy. The arm strength comes from his baseball background because he can deliver strikes to his receivers. If you ever find yourself or anyone you know questioning his arm strength, just bring up the highlight of his pass to DeAndre Hopkins in 2020 which is now known as “Hail Murray”. He has the skillset to be elite. Kyler is still young and working.
The Cardinals struck gold when drafting him. I say that because he’s become their franchise quarterback in a short amount of time and will only improve as the years go on. Kyler led the Cardinals to the postseason for the first time since 2015. He finished his 2021 season accounting for 29 touchdowns (24 passing & five rushing). Both parties got this out of the way. Now, football is the major focus.
