There is no more nonsense, the drama in the desert has subsided.
After purges on Instagram and reports of immaturity, quarterbacks Keeler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals appeared on the same page and goal at Glendale going forward, NFL Network’s Jen Slater reported Thursday.
Slater, who reported that “everything is fickle” between the club and its QB franchise, added her understanding is that the parties are now working to exercise the previous fifth year’s option to choose the first year or agree to the terms of a long-term deal. Murray has one season left on his Rookie contract.
Ten days ago, Murray, 24, issued a statement on social media that came after a widespread publicity campaign on Instagram and a report that club members were viewing Murray as immature and lacking in leadership.
“I play this game for the love of her, my teammates, and everyone who helped me get to that position who believed in me (and) to win championships,” Murray wrote. “All this bullshit is not what I’m about, it never happened, and never will be. Anyone who’s ever walked these lines with me knows how hard it can be.”
“Love me or hate me but I will continue to grow and improve.”
Although Murray’s Instagram still only has three photos, there is one of him in the Cardinals’ outfit and any dissonance appears to have improved, Slater reports going forward.
Prior to Murray’s statement on February 14, this was posted by Mike Garavolo of the NFL Network That the cardinals were looking for Murray to make progress Mature and driven. The biggest cited example of Murray’s lack of maturity and/or leadership was that he didn’t end the Cardinals’ big loss to the Rams on the field, with Colt McCoy back up taking the final picks of the season.
The report came on the heels of Murray purge his Instagram account From any and all Cardinals references after he played in the Pro Bowl on February 6. The team followed this up on their social media cleaning.
Amid all the play and confusion, the team released a statement at Super Bowl Sunday to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport maintaining its commitment to making the best selection for the 2019 NFL Draft.
“Nothing has changed regarding our opinion and our great respect for Keeler Murray,” the statement read. “We’ve improved as a team and Keeler individually every year that’s been in the league. We’re excited to continue that improvement in 2022 and we’re excited that Keeler Murray is the midfielder that’s driving us.”
Despite the rough conclusion of the 2021 season for Murray individually and team, the Oklahoma producer still had his third consecutive season to start his career with 3,700 yards or more passes and 24 or more total touchdowns, along with winning his second Pro Bowl selection.
The outlook in Arizona has improved with Murray and the Cardinals looking forward and moving forward.