Kyler Murray reaction: Arizona Cardinals QB gains 'respect' for joining teammates at OTAs

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray attended voluntary organized team activities with his teammates on Wednesday after sitting out OTAs last week amid a contract dispute with the team.

NFL writers and analysts had thoughts on Murray joining his teammates at the Cardinals practice facility, with many giving him "respect" and credit for showing up without a new contract.

CBS Sports' Patrik Walker wrote: "Murray has made it clear he's disinterested in earning only $965,000 in base salary for 2022. And yet, having now reported to OTAs, he's either conceding to it or -- more likely -- he's showing a willingness to soften his stance in the hopes of the Cardinals doing the same regarding his looming payday."

More: Kyler Murray contract projection would make Arizona Cardinals QB among highest paid in NFL

Fansided's Aarron Van Buren wrote: "For Murray, this is a great way to win over those who were imploring him to show up to OTAs. Especially after the team reduced OTAs in 2021, this is what Cardinals fans needed. While contract negotiations are still going on, it looks a lot better when the Cardinals’ most important player is in the building."

Pro Football Talk's Josh Alper wrote: "Murray’s decision to stay away from voluntary workouts continued an offseason of intrigue about his relationship with the team as he looks for his second NFL contract. Things seemed very rocky shortly after the Cardinals were knocked out of the playoffs, but seemed to improve over time. General Manager Steve Keim said late last month that he thinks the team will be able to get something done on the contract front this summer. Murray’s return to the team may be a signal of confidence that things are heading in that direction."

Yahoo Sports' Tyler Greenawalt wrote: "Murray's decision to return to team practices is encouraging for the Cardinals and a sign of possible mending of fences between the two sides. There's still an entire offseason and preseason to go, though, for things to possibly sour. Not to mention the Cardinals won't have star wideout DeAndre Hopkins for the first six games of the season after already losing running back Chase Edmonds and receiver Christian Kirk in free agency."

Clutch Points' Tim Capurso wrote: "While many NFL players opt to skip OTAs, which are technically voluntary, it wasn’t seen as a good sign that Murray was absent, especially in the midst of stalled contract talks. Could his presence on Wednesday indicate that the contract drama is a thing of the past? Cardinals fans certainly hope so, as Murray has been electric through three NFL seasons, making the Pro Bowl in each of the last two campaigns. The Cardinals have improved each year with Murray as the starter. That’s why he wants a payday. Will the team give it to him? Wednesday’s events are the first step towards a contract agreement between the two sides happening."

More: Kyler Murray contract extension timing explained by Arizona Cardinals GM Steve Keim

Kyler Murray's contract saga with the Cardinals

In April, the Cardinals picked up Murray's fifth-year option, which means Murray, the No.1 overall pick in the 2019 draft out of Oklahoma, now has a guaranteed salary of $29,703,000 for his fifth NFL season.

Murray is scheduled to make $5.5 million in salary this coming season, but he isn’t expected to agree to play for that price.

Though the Cardinals retain his rights for at least the next two years, the two sides can negotiate a new, long-term deal more in line with what some of the league’s top quarterbacks are earning.

Murray was also absent when the Cardinals began their offseason strength and conditioning program in April.

Murray created a stir this offseason when he removed mentions of the Cardinals on social media. His agent later questioned the Cardinals' "commitment to winning" in a tweet.

Murray's agent also released a statement that shared the reasons his client should be given a contract extension in Arizona.

The statement was slammed as a "ransom letter" and a "joke" by some NFL writers.

In April, Murray tweeted out that "I wanna win Super Bowls with the Cardinals, AZ is home" in response to a podcast saying that the quarterback could play elsewhere.

More: Arizona Cardinals a Top 10 team in NFL for 2022 season, projection says

He also replied to a tweet about GM Steve Keim saying there was "zero chance" Arizona traded Murray.

Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Kyler Murray reaction: Arizona Cardinals QB gains 'respect' at workout