Arizona Cardinals wake up, remove Murray’s dumb study clause

The Arizona Cardinals weren’t thinking straight when they inserted an “independent study” clause into Kyler Murray’s new contract.

One has to wonder what the Arizona Cardinals thought when they put an “independent study” clause into the extension they drew up for quarterback Kyler Murray.

By doing so, Cards management basically told the world that Murray’s study habits were not up to par. Rumor has it that it was owner Michael Bidwill’s bright idea to insert the addendum into the $230.5 million contract that he handed to Arizona’s young signal-caller.

In simplest terms, what the Redbirds did was a mistake. If Murray’s preparation skills needed to be improved, a handshake agreement behind the scenes would’ve been the way to go. But was it really necessary to let the public in on a subject that could potentially put both the organization and the player in a bad light?

Arizona Cardinals felt pressure to remove the clause from Kyler Murray’s contract.

In reaction to the backlash, the Cardinals elected to eliminate the clause from Murray’s lucrative deal. A statement released by the team explained what led to the decision.

"“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”."

If the last part of the Cards’ declaration is true, then why make the clause a part of Murray’s new contract in the first place? Surely, there must’ve been someone in the club’s front office who could’ve convinced Bidwill that the stipulation was totally unnecessary.

Despite what surely could’ve been perceived as an insult, it was reported that Murray and agent Erik Burkhardt had no issue with the addendum. However, Murray did call an impromptu press conference to address those who believe he doesn’t study film.

"“To think that I can accomplish everything that I’ve accomplished in my career and not be a student of the game, and not have the passion, and not take this serious is disrespectful. It’s almost a joke”."

You tell them, Kyler. No one would argue with the fact that the 24-year-old passer is far from a finished product at the NFL level. Nevertheless, the ridiculous request that Bidwill and the Cardinals ultimately removed from Murray’s contract is just another example of a franchise that rarely seems to get it right.