The Arizona Cardinals announced a contract extension for a player that will surprise most. It isn’t cornerback Patrick Peterson, running back Kenyan Drake or even linebacker Chandler Jones.
It is offensive lineman Justin Murray. The team announced he signed a contract extension, keeping him with the team through the 2022 season.
Murray would have been a restricted free agent after this season.
Keeping him under contract will stabilize the right side of the offensive line for next season. Starting right guard J.R. Sweezy is in the final yer of his contract and Marcus Gilbert, who opted out of this season due to concerns with the coronavirus, will be 34 years old next year and has not played a game since 2018. He is under contract for 2021.
Murray started 12 games at right tackle last season after Gilbert went down with a torn ACL. He was acquired via a waiver claim before the season.
The coaching staff is very pleased with how he played last season and has found ways to give him playing time this season, even as a backup.
He gives the Cardinals options next season at guard or at tackle.
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