Colt McCoy 'thankful' to be returning to Cardinals, but speculation surrounds Kyler Murray

Veteran quarterback Colt McCoy said he decided to sign a two-year contract extension to remain with the Cardinals because of his belief in coach Kliff Kingsbury, the offense, how it’s taught and because of all the “super talented guys” on the roster.

That includes fellow quarterback Kyler Murray, Arizona’s starter, he said.

“We’ve talked quite a bit,” McCoy said Monday during a video conference call. “Kyler’s great. This offseason I think has been a good one for us. Obviously, it didn’t end the way we wanted it to last year, but there are a lot of ways we can learn from that and hopefully benefit from that as we move forward. There’s a lot to learn, a lot of good things we did last year. Kyler and I have had lots of really positive conversations.”

Yeah, but is McCoy, 35, convinced that Murray, 24, will report for offseason workouts later this spring if he doesn’t get his own mega, multi-million-dollar extension?

 “I sure hope so,” McCoy said. “Kyler is our franchise quarterback. We’ve talked all offseason. I don’t want to speak for him, but for me and for the quarterbacks, we are real excited about attacking this offseason, adjusting and fixing some things that we thought were an issue, especially late in the season, and learning from those things, benefitting of having to go through some of that. I know we’re all in and moving forward.

“I took a peek at the schedule for next year — it’s not like we’re going to get any breaks — it’s going to be tough. We’ve got a lot of work to do, and I know Kyler’s putting that work in. I think we’re all excited to get back.”

There is no guarantee Murray will show up at the Cardinals’ Tempe training facility for any reason if he doesn’t get the new contract that he and his agent, Erik Burkhardt, are demanding. They sent an official proposal to General Manager Steve Keim and owner Michael Bidwill, but apparently didn’t like their response because the Murray camp responded with a lengthy public letter pressuring the Cardinals to “commit” to keeping Murray as their franchise quarterback.

“Actions speak much louder than words in this volatile business,” the statement said. “It is now simply up to the Cardinals to decide if they prioritize their rapidly improving 24-year0old, already 2X Pro Bowl QB, who led the organization from 3 wins before his arrive to 11 wins and their first playoff appearance in 5 years, or rather, if they choose to financially prioritize committing to other areas and continuing to merely talk about addressing Kyler’s long-term future as their QB.

“Unfortunately, every player, coach and executive in the NFL knows (or should know) that words and hypothetical contractual promises are regularly dismissed and fleeting in this business.”

Arizona controls Murray’s rights for at least the next two years. He is due to earn $5.5 million this season and if the Cardinals pick up his fifth-year extension in 2023, which they said they will, the quarterback will earn $29 million a year from now.

Murray, though, appears ready and willing to dig in his heels and accept nothing short of a new multi-year deal worth $40 million or more per season. If he doesn’t get it, he could stage a lengthy holdout or force the Cardinals hands even further by demanding a trade.

Neither Murray nor Burkhardt have threatened such action publicly, but we’ll have a clearer idea of their plans come April 18, when the Cardinals open offseason workouts.

Whatever happens, McCoy said he is looking forward to working alongside Murray for another two years.

“I’m thankful we get to work together again,” he said. “We have a great working relationship. Cam Turner, our quarterback coach, he’s awesome. He’s right there with us. Kliff’s in there a lot. I’m glad to keep that continuity there.

“Everyone’s looking forward to getting back here and improving on some of the things we did last year and learning from some of the mistakes we made and making some minor tweaks and changes that are going to help us moving into next year.”

McCoy termed his relationship with Murray as being “great” and added the two have talked about how they can get better following last season’s 11-6 finish, which ended with a blowout loss to the Rams in an NFC Wild Card game.

“He helped me a bunch when I was playing,” said McCoy, who went 2-1 as the starter while Murray was sidelined with an ankle issue. “Our relationship is great at work and it’s great off the field. We talk enough, and I think both of us are looking forward to getting back this spring and attacking a few things that we feel we need to get better at. We’re all good.”

McCoy was asked specifically at one point about Murray’s leadership abilities, but his response never really touched on the subject at all.

“Kyler’s obviously extremely talented,” McCoy said. “He just finished his third year in the NFL and I would say his arrow is pointing up. He was Rookie of the Year, he’s made two Pro Bowls. I mean, the guy is extremely, extremely talented and I’m grateful to be able to work with him. I know how hard it was for me my first three years in the NFL to handle all the things that come with being a franchise quarterback and being in the NFL.

“I think Kyler’s handled it tremendously and I think he’s just going to continue to get better. I’m thankful to be in the same room with him. He’s a super competitor, he wants to win, he works hard, and I think it kind of sets the tone for our whole team. The good thing about here is we have a great mix of veteran guys and younger guys that Steve has put together. I think there’s a lot of respect through the whole locker room about who we have on our team.”

Have an opinion on the Arizona Cardinals? Reach McManaman at bob.mcmanaman@arizonarepublic.com and follow him on Twitter @azbobbymac. Listen to him live on Fox Sports 910-AM every Tuesday afternoon at 3:30 on Calling All Sports with Roc and Manuch. 

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