Kyler Murray Rumors: Many Think It 'Unwise' to Seek New Contract Before Lamar Jackson

Patience is one virtue that might benefit Kyler Murray in his quest to sign a long-term extension with the Arizona Cardinals.

Murray's agent, Erik Burkhardt, confirmed in February the two-time Pro Bowler was looking to sign a new contract:

On Wednesday, ESPN's Josh Weinfuss reported that "many didn't think Murray would receive an extension so soon" and also "thought it was unwise for Murray's camp to be seeking one before Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson got his."

Whereas Murray won't hit free agency until 2024—assuming the Cardinals pick up his fifth-year option—Jackson will be out of contract in 2023.

Even if the 2019 MVP doesn't get a record-setting contract, there's probably a good chance he becomes the fourth quarterback to earn at least $40 million annually.

Aaron Rodgers might reset the QB market as well. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported he agreed to a four-year, $200 million extension with the Green Bay Packers, a claim Rodgers refuted. Whatever the terms, the future Hall of Famer likely won't be giving the Packers a hometown discount.

Jackson and Rodgers should provide helpful guides for Murray and Burkhardt in terms of what kind of money they can reasonably demand of the Cardinals.

As Weinfuss' report alluded to, agreeing to terms with Arizona sooner rather than later could result in Murray collecting a deal that quickly looks like a bargain for the team.

Patrick Mahomes serves as a good example of salary inflation for quarterbacks.

In July 2020, Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs agreed to the biggest contract ever in an American sports league: 10 years and $450 million. Within two years, he might not be the highest-paid QB in the NFL anymore in terms of average salary.

Spotrac already estimates Murray's value at $43 million per year (six years, $258.1 million). That number would likely climb if the 24-year-old has a big 2022 season.

For most NFL players, getting long-term financial security as soon as you can is a sound approach. Careers aren't as long when compared to other sports, and the injury risk is so high.

Quarterbacks, on the other hand, aren't as susceptible to those two factors.

Rodgers turned 38 in December and he's poised to make more money annually than anybody ever at his position. Likewise, Dak Prescott's ankle dislocation didn't stop him from getting $160 million over four years from the Dallas Cowboys.

Time is on Murray's side. There isn't a need for him to rush into an extension with the Cardinals.