The Arizona Cardinals were forced to remove the controversial hidden clause in Kyler Murray’s bumper new contract awarded to the star quarterback back in the offseason.
Murray ignited a controversy when his agent sent a letter to the Cardinals expressing his client’s eagerness to sign a lucrative new deal to lock up his long term future in Arizona. The 25-year-old, who won Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2019, has showcased enough ability and production to secure such a deal after establishing himself as the franchise quarterback for the foreseeable future.
The first overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft soon inked a $230.5million (£191m) extension - with $160m (£132m) guaranteed - to seemingly end any drama. However, things took a turn when details of Murray’s contract leaked with one clause in particular causing something of a commotion.
The mega extension included an unprecedented stipulation that required Murray to ‘complete at least four hours of independent study’ during game weeks, insisting he needed to study material provided to him by the Cardinals in order to appropriately prepare for each game throughout each season of the deal. It also stated that the work would not count if he was ‘not personally studying or watching the material while it is being displayed or played’ - or if the player is involved in activities that could distract his attention, including television, video games or the internet.
After the stipulation was widely reported, Murray held an impromptu press conference in which he appeared frustrated that people could think he could achieve the success he has in his career without being a ‘student of the game’, particularly given his shorter stature. He didn’t answer whether he was upset by the inclusion of the clause, but it was swiftly removed which suggests so.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported the Cardinals had removed the ‘independent study’ a few days after the deal was announced. In a statement, the Cardinals said: “After seeing the distraction it created, we removed the addendum from the contract.
“It was clearly perceived in ways that were never intended. Our confidence in Kyler Murray is as high as it's ever been and nothing demonstrates our belief in his ability to lead this team more than the commitment reflected in this contract.”
It was previously reported by Rapoport that Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill had believed the stipulation was a necessary addition to the extension, as he ‘wanted some assurances that [Murray is] going to continue to work, continue to perform at the level that is necessary, and the kind of level that deserves that contract’.
Ultimately, the Cardinals insisted the addendum was received in an unintended manner, creating a needless circus that threatened to disrupt their offseason. The franchise clearly didn’t expect such a reaction when they decided to add the clause to Murray’s deal.
Murray has impressed in 2022 despite playing just nine times, throwing for 2,168 yards and 12 touchdowns to six interceptions while he has rushed for 359 yards and a pair of scores. He is set to return from injury to lead the 4-7 Cardinals against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.
