The Arizona Cardinals signed Kliff Kingsbury, coach, and Steve Keim to extensions which will keep them in the team’s fold until 2027.
These moves provide some security for the men who led the franchise to rapid improvements over the past three years, but also who oversaw a head-scratching fall last season after a 10-2 schedule start.
“Steve and Kliff’s leadership have been crucial in the team’s turnaround over three seasons,” Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill stated in a statement. “
Bidwill’s support of his coach and general manager came during an offseason which has turned into a surprise cold battle between Kyler Murray, the star young quarterback, and the franchise. A letter in all caps from Erik Burkhardt, the quarterback’s agent, stated that the quarterback wants to be signed a long-term contract in Arizona.
Unrelatedly, Burkhardt also acts as Kingsbury’s agent.
Murray enters the fourth and final year of his rookie contract. The Cardinals will likely pick up his fifth-year option in 2023. However, Murray seems to be looking for an extension that reflects other young stars like Josh Allen (Buffalo’s six-year, $254m deal).
But, Allen has won the playoff games while Murray is out.
Last season, the Cardinals were one of the most popular teams in the NFL. They started with a 7-0 record. Then they went on to go 10-2. However, Arizona lost its last five games and was left looking listless in the playoffs. Murray completed 19 of 34 passes for two touchdowns.
Keim has been with the Cardinals for 23 seasons and is currently the general manager. He was elevated to this position in 2013.
