Kyler Murray’s meteoric rise in the world of professional football has not only elevated him to the status of a star quarterback but has also significantly impacted his financial standing.
As the dynamic playmaker for the Arizona Cardinals, Murray’s earnings comprise a combination of his lucrative NFL contract, substantial signing bonuses, and diverse endorsement deals.
From his impressive rookie contract to a subsequent multimillion-dollar extension, Murray’s financial trajectory reflects both his on-field prowess and marketability.
Beyond the gridiron, his involvement in various endorsements and off-field ventures adds layers to his income.
In this exploration, we delve into the various revenue streams that contribute to answering the question: How much does Kyler Murray make?
Who Is Kyler Murray?
Kyler Murray is a professional American football quarterback, born on August 7, 1997, in Bedford, Texas.
Known for his exceptional athleticism and versatility, Murray played college football for the Oklahoma Sooners, winning the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 2018.
In 2019, he was selected as the first overall pick in the NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals.
Murray’s dynamic playing style, marked by agility and precise passing, has quickly established him as a rising star in the NFL.
Off the field, he engages in philanthropy and has become a prominent figure in the sports and entertainment world.
How Much Does Kyler Murray Make?
Kyler Murray is one of the most exciting and talented quarterbacks in the NFL. He plays for the Arizona Cardinals, who drafted him with the first overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Murray has a lot of sources of income, both on and off the field.
Here is a breakdown of how much he makes from different avenues:
NFL Contract
Murray signed a four-year, $35.6 million contract with the Cardinals in 2019, which included a $23.6 million signing bonus and a fifth-year option for 2023.
His contract is fully guaranteed, meaning he will earn the entire amount regardless of his performance or injuries.
In 2022, Murray will make a base salary of $965,000, a signing bonus of $5.9 million, and a roster bonus of $4.5 million, for a total of $11.4 million.
His salary cap hit for 2022 is $12.7 million, which is the amount that counts against the team’s spending limit.
In 2023, Murray’s option year, he will make a base salary of $29.7 million, which is also his salary cap hit.
Murray’s contract ranks 12th among quarterbacks in terms of average annual value ($8.9 million) and 51st among all NFL players.
Endorsements
Murray has several endorsement deals with various brands and companies. He is sponsored by Nike, Body Armor, Perfect Hydration, Nissan, and Verizon.
He also joined the esports organization FaZe Clan in 2021 as an investor and ambassador. Murray’s endorsement income is estimated to be around $2 million per year.
Merchandising
Murray is one of the most popular players in the NFL, and his jersey sales reflect that.
According to the NFL Players Association, Murray ranked sixth in jersey sales from March 2021 to August 2021, behind only Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, Dak Prescott, Justin Fields, and Aaron Rodgers.
Murray also has his line of merchandise, which includes t-shirts, hoodies, hats, and accessories.
Murray’s merchandising income is not publicly disclosed, but it is likely to be a significant source of revenue for him.
Playoff and Pro Bowl Bonuses
Murray had made the playoffs once in his career, in 2021, when he led the Cardinals to their first postseason appearance since 2015.
However, he lost in the first round to the Los Angeles Rams and did not earn any playoff bonus.
The NFL pays players different amounts depending on how far they advance in the playoffs, ranging from $35,000 for a wild card game to $130,000 for a Super Bowl win.
Murray has also made the Pro Bowl twice, in 2020 and 2021, which is the NFL’s all-star game.
The NFL pays players $70,000 for being on the winning team and $35,000 for being on the losing team in the Pro Bowl.
Social Media and Online Presence
Murray has a solid social media and online presence, which helps him build his brand and connect with his fans.
He has over 1.1 million followers on Instagram, where he posts photos and videos of his life on and off the field.
He also has over 600,000 followers on Twitter, where he tweets about football, gaming, and other topics.
He also has a YouTube channel where he uploads highlights, interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage.
Murray’s social media and online presence can help him attract more endorsement deals and increase his fan base.
Performance Bonuses
Murray has another $7.5 million in incentive bonuses in the five new years of his contract extension, which he signed in 2022.
They are tied to playing time, rushing stats, and playoff playing time. From 2024 to 2028, he will get $750,000 if he rushes for 600 yards and six touchdowns the previous season.
Murray also has a chance to earn more money if he wins awards such as the MVP, Offensive Player of the Year, or Comeback Player of the Year, which typically come with cash prizes.
Public Appearances and Events
Murray is often invited to public appearances and events, where he can interact with his fans, promote his sponsors, and support various causes.
He has attended events such as the NFL Honors, the ESPY Awards, the Heisman Trophy ceremony, and charity fundraisers.
He has also participated in events such as the Fortnite Creative Stadium, where he played video games with other celebrities and athletes.
How Much Does Kyler Murray Make in a Year?
According to the web search results, Kyler Murray is the second-highest-paid quarterback in the NFL in 2023, with an annual salary of $46.1 million.
He signed a five-year, $230.5 million contract extension with the Arizona Cardinals in July 2022, which will start in 2023 after his rookie scale deal expires.
His contract includes $160 million guaranteed and a $29.035 million signing bonus.
Murray is earning almost as much as the entire Oakland Athletics 2022 payroll, which is $48.5 million.
The Athletics drafted Murray in the first round of the 2018 MLB draft, but he chose to pursue a football career instead.
The Cardinals then drafted him as the first overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft.
Murray has proven himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the league, leading his team to a 7-0 start in 2022 and making the Pro Bowl twice.
How Much Is Kyler Murray Guaranteed Money?
Kyler Murray is guaranteed to receive $160 million from his contract extension with the Arizona Cardinals, which is the third-highest amount of guaranteed money in NFL history, behind only Patrick Mahomes ($141.4 million) and Dak Prescott ($126 million).
This means that Murray will get paid $160 million regardless of his performance, injury, or termination.
His guaranteed money is composed of his signing bonus, his base salaries for 2023, 2024, and 2025, and his roster bonuses for 2023 and 2024.
Murray’s contract also has a no-trade clause and a no-tag clause, which gives him more control over his future.
Murray’s guaranteed money is a reflection of his talent and potential, as he has emerged as one of the most dynamic and exciting players in the league.
Is Kyler Murray the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL?
No, Kyler Murray is not the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL. He is the fifth-highest-paid quarterback in the league, with an annual salary of $46.1 million.
He signed a five-year, $230.5 million contract extension with the Arizona Cardinals in July 2022, which will start in 2023 after his rookie scale deal expires.
His contract includes $160 million guaranteed and a $29.035 million signing bonus.
The highest-paid quarterback in the NFL is Joe Burrow, who agreed to a five-year, $275 million deal with the Cincinnati Bengals in September 2023.
He will earn an average of $55 million per season, surpassing the previous record of $52.5 million set by Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers.
Burrow will receive $219.01 million in total guarantees, the second-most in NFL history behind Deshaun Watson’s $230 million.
Burrow was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft and led the Bengals to their first playoff appearance in six years in 2022.
FAQS
What is Kyler Murray’s current NFL contract worth?
Kyler Murray signed a five-year contract extension in December 2022, reportedly valued at $150 million.
How much did Kyler Murray make from his rookie contract?
Kyler Murray’s rookie contract, signed after being the first overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, was worth $35.1 million over four years, including a significant signing bonus.
Are endorsements a significant part of Kyler Murray’s income?
Yes, endorsements play a substantial role in Kyler Murray’s income. His marketability has led to partnerships with various brands, contributing significantly to his overall earnings.
Has Kyler Murray’s income changed over the years?
Yes, Murray’s income has experienced notable growth. Starting with his rookie contract, he secured a substantial extension in 2022, reflecting his rising status in the NFL.
What is Kyler Murray’s approach to philanthropy with his earnings?
Kyler Murray is actively involved in philanthropy, using a portion of his earnings to support charitable initiatives and make a positive impact on the community.
Last Words
Kyler Murray’s financial trajectory reflects both the staggering earnings potential in professional football and his exceptional marketability.
From his lucrative rookie contract to the substantial extension in 2022, Murray’s annual income has soared into the multimillion-dollar range.
Beyond the gridiron, his endorsement deals and off-field ventures add substantial layers to his financial portfolio.
As one of the NFL’s rising stars, Murray not only secures his financial future through his on-field excellence but also leverages his popularity for endorsement opportunities.
His financial success not only underscores his athletic prowess but also positions him as a prominent figure in the lucrative intersection of sports and business.
