The Arizona Cardinals are keeping a piece of their offensive line around, as the team reportedly agreed to sign Calvin Beachum to a two-year, $5.15 million deal. Tom Pellicero of NFL Network, Beachum’s contract reportedly comes with $3.26 million guaranteed.
It’s a small but important step for the Cardinals. Beachum started all but two games for Arizona during his three seasons and recently made some inflammatory comments about the maturity of quarterback Kyler Murray. Beachum said on the show “Burns & Gamboa” on March 9 that Murray “needs to grow up a little bit.”
Beachum said, “I didn’t say he lacked leadership, I just think he needs to grow up a little bit.” Said, “I think if he has the ability and desire to grow, he’ll be fine.”
The comments come nearly a year after Murray, 25, signed a five-year, $230.5 million extension that previously included the infamous “independent study clause” that was later removed from Murray’s deal.
“They paid him for a reason, they paid him because of his talent. He has the ability to lead,” Beachum said. “When you are in that position, we need you to lead more. You are the face of the franchise… you have to lead in every way.”
Beachum won’t be blocking for Murray for most of the 2023 season, however, after the Cardinals QB tore his ACL at the end of the 2022 season and Likely to miss half of this upcoming season, Murray’s absence means the Cardinals will either start Colt McCoy, David Blough or acquire another passer via free agency, a trade or the draft.
In any event, keeping Beacham around should provide more continuity with the offensive line, which is under center and for the new coaching staff led by former Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon.