Kyler Murray’s extension reinforces Mac Jones’ rookie deal steal
Kyler Murray signed a contract extension on Thursday, and his new deal reinforces the steal that the Patriots have with Mac Jones’ rookie deal.
On Thursday, Kyler Murray signed a massive extension with the Arizona Cardinals, signing a five year deal worth $230.5 million, an average of $46.1 million per year. If nothing else, this reinforces the absolute steal that the New England Patriots have with Mac Jones’ rookie deal.
This is something that teams with franchise quarterbacks get to take advantage of. It was clear from his rookie season that Kyler Murray was going to be a good quarterback in the NFL. His first three seasons were moderately successful, and he did greatly outperform his rookie deal.
Other quarterbacks’ teams took advantage of this as well. Look at the recent extensions given to Josh Allen, and Patrick Mahomes a few seasons ago.
Two of the best players in the NFL were playing some of their best football on a rookie contract. Mac Jones is no different. By all accounts, he had an amazingly successful rookie season, and looks prepared to take the next step in 2022.
If he does indeed do this, the Patriots will get to enjoy franchise quarterback-level play all on a rookie deal.
Since Jones was picked in the middle of the first round, his deal is even cheaper. It’s a standard, four year rookie contract worth about $15.5 million, an average annual salary of just under $4 million.
Hopefully for the next few seasons, the Patriots will be able to take advantage of this cheap contract by surrounding Mac Jones with the best talent possible.
This is when teams also compete for Super Bowls. Tom Brady has won his Super Bowls while usually always accepting less money than he could get. Patrick Mahomes won a Super Bowl on his rookie deal. Joe Burrow went to the Super Bowl last year, on his rookie deal.
According to spotrac.com, the Patriots are projected to have about $53 million in cap space next offseason. That is a ton of money to not only re-sign some of their players, but also chase some quality starters.
Perhaps this is when New England invests some money into the wide receiver position, perhaps an interior offensive linemen, and another playmaker or two on defense.
Once Mac Jones likely signs a rather lucrative extension in a few years, the Patriots’ cap situation won’t be as desirable.
But, again, this is what happens with franchise quarterbacks. This is part of the process, and good teams are able to take advantage of this.