Fresh off leading the Arizona Cardinals to the playoffs and his second consecutive Pro Bowl year, Kyler Murray got PAID. According to reporters, Kyler is getting a 5-year extension worth 230.5 million dollars, though only 160 is guaranteed, and this deal takes him through 2028 with the Cardinals. This shows just how much Kyler means to the Cardinals. I do love that he topped Watson’s awful contract by .5 million. This is a statement move by the Cardinals announcing him as their franchise quarterback. This brings his dynasty value way up.

Regardless of his performance in the playoff game, concerns about his leadership, or supposed injury issues, the onus on this deal for Kyler is for him to play great, lead, and deliver the Cardinals to the playoffs many times.

Kyler Murray 2021 Season in Review

For the first time in his career, Kyler Murray missed three games with an injury. It seemed like that injury affected him for the rest of the season, but that’s my opinion. Combine that with the fact that the Cardinals suffered many injury woes to key players like DeAndre Hopkins, and it’s no wonder why Kyler struggled down the stretch.

Despite that, Kyler was still named to the Pro Bowl and led the team to a 9-5 record in his 14 games. He threw for 3,787 yards on 69.2% completion (highest in his career) and had 24 touchdowns against only 10 interceptions. His quarterback rating was a great 100.6. He set career highs in touchdown rate, Yards Average, Yards per Completion, Air Yards, and fumbles. Kyler rushed for only 423 yards with 5 touchdowns on 88 attempts.

That was a career-low 4.8 yards per rush average (ypr). This could be put on the fact that he was injured for part of the season. The worrisome concern is whether his rushing outlook will be lower than expected and if his fumbling issues will continue. No matter what, though, Kyler Murray is a dual-threat quarterback.

Kyler Murray 2022 Season Outlook

Kyler Murray will be without Nuk once again. Hopkins was suspended for the first six games of the season due to a PED positive test. Murray will have Zach Ertz back. This time, it’s for the whole season. James Conner, AJ Green, and Rondale Moore return as well. The biggest impact on Kyler for the future is that the Cardinals traded for Marquise “Hollywood” Brown. Brown is Kyler’s best friend. He provides an immediate impact at wide receiver and as a temporary replacement for Hopkins.

Kyler will still be an elite fantasy quarterback. His rushing upside is unlimited. I think he will rush more this year, especially now that he has gotten his contract. He’s healthy and playing with his best friend in the NFL. The skill players the Cardinals have are excellent. Arizona has a tough schedule this year, so they will have to throw the ball a lot. In 6-point touchdown leagues, I have Kyler averaging 25.7 points per game. Kyler wants to prove the critics wrong. Coach Kingsbury wants to prove he deserves a new contract as well. This has the makings of a big year for Kyler Murray. Don’t forget that Brown wants to make Kyler look good too. And he wants a new contract of his own.

Should you trade for or away Kyler Murray? Long-term value?

Kyler was so cheap prior to this past week since his future was in flux. Many owners were worried that Kyler might get traded. This caused them to sell lower than they should’ve. Those fears are not an issue with the new contract. Kyler’s drafted in a Superflex startup in the first round always. Kyler is worth 3+ firsts, if not more, as a very young star quarterback. He’s the type of player that you build your roster around.

Kyler Murray should be kept if you have him, regardless of whether you are rebuilding or contending. Murray is a top-5 dynasty quarterback. If you have the chance to trade him, do it. Offer up Trevor Lawrence and a first or Derek Carr and a first. I can see why you would sell him if you’re rebuilding. Yet, don’t sell him. His price is only going to rise. Selling him now would be like selling Jamarr Chase when he had drop issues in the preseason. Hold on to Kyler.

Summary

Kyler Murray is an elite young quarterback on a talented offense. He just got a massive contract. Look for Kyler to finish with over 4,000 passing yards and 30+ touchdowns for the first time in his career. Murray can beat teams in a multitude of ways. He will be a Dynasty QB1 for a long time, including this year. Don’t let his Yoda size fool you. The Force is within him. Don’t try to trade him. Let a massive offer come to you. The better thing is to build your team around him. Either way, keep Kyler Murray on your roster.

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As always, May the Force be with You…