Kyler Murray’s new contract with the Arizona Cardinals includes an eye-catching addition: The quarterback will have to complete at least four hours of “independent study” per game week during the season, NFL Network reported Monday.
An “independent study” suggests Murray will study the materials provided to him by the team to prepare for the next upcoming game, according to the contract. Time spent in mandatory team meetings does not count toward self-study time.
“A player will not receive independent study credit for a period during which the player does not personally study the provided material in good faith,” the contract states. “For the avoidance of doubt, a Player will not receive any Independent Study credits in respect of any period of time during which material or players are displayed on an iPad or other electronic device if (a) the Player does not personally study or view the material while it is displayed or played, or (b) the Player is engaged in some other activity that may distract his attention (for example, watching television, playing video games or surfing the Internet) while such material is displayed or played.”
Violation of the Addendum may result in a breach of contract.
Murray, who turns 25 in August, agreed to a five-year extension with the Cardinals through 2028, the team announced July 21. The deal is worth $230.5 million and includes $160 million guaranteed, according to the NFL Network.
His contract negotiations became public during the offseason when, after the Pro Bowl, Murray purged his social media accounts of references to the Cardinals. Shortly after, the quarterback’s agent released a statement questioning Arizona’s commitment to winning. It has been reported that the Cardinals may have concerns about Murray’s maturity and leadership.
Murray, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, has been a staple for Arizona since arriving with the franchise. He threw for 11,480 yards with 70 touchdowns and 34 interceptions along with 1,786 rushing yards and 20 rushing TDs.
He’s a two-time Pro Bowl selection and has seen his passer rating improve in each of his first three seasons — 87.4 in 2019, 94.3 in 2020 and 100.6 in 2021.
(Photo: Kirby Lee/USA Today)
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