For several months, the Arizona Cardinals and the advisors of star quarterback Kyler Murray have been playing poker for a new contract. Steve Keim, general manager of the Cards, is holding out the prospect of a deal – this summer.

Munich – The Arizona Cardinals want to keep star quarterback Kyler Murray around for the long haul and appear ready to offer him a contract extension as early as this offseason.

“He’s our future, I’m very sure of that. I think we’ll reach an agreement this summer,” Arizona Cardinals general manager Steve Keim said on the “Pat McAfee Show.”

Waves of rumours have been washing ashore in recent months that Murray was “frustrated” or “disappointed” with his contract situation, causing unrest between the player and the franchise.

Murray under contract for two more years

As of today, Murray is still under contract through 2024, with the Cardinals pulling the “fifth-year option” on their 2019 first-round pick in the spring. But an early extension is by no means unusual, with star players in particular usually receiving a new contract after their third or fourth seasons.

“I think it just depends on the timing. It usually happens between July and September, that’s how it is with us,” said Keim.

Murray amassed 3,787 passing yards, 24 touchdowns and ten interceptions last season. The Cardinals failed in the Wildcard Round to the Los Angeles Rams.