Quarterback Kyler Murray signed a blockbuster extension with the Cardinals last offseason that quickly became the talk of the league upon the discovery of a “homework clause” in the deal. The controversial segment of the contract was later removed by the team, but according to one of Murray’s teammates, it may have been beneficial to keep in place.
An anonymous Cardinals veteran told Michael Silver of Bally Sports last Sunday that after the franchise gave Murray the new deal, “it was like they created a monster.” The veteran said that after Murray cashed in, he was less inclined to study Arizona’s gameplan and meet the expectations that the team had for him after making him the franchise quarterback.
The deal, which will pay Murray $230.5 million over five years beginning in 2024, was already thrust into the spotlight over the summer when reporters discovered that it included an addendum that required the 25-year-old quarterback to spend at least four hours per week conducting “independent study.” Amid widespread backlash around the league, the Cardinals opted to remove the clause, citing their complete confidence in Murray’s abilities and work ethic.
