ARIZONA CARDINALS

How Kyler Murray’s study clause in Cardinals contract became public

Jul 28, 2022, 5:32 PM | Updated: Jan 13, 2023, 1:49 pm

Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals looks to make a pass play against the Detroit Lions in the...

Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals looks to make a pass play against the Detroit Lions in the fourth quarter at Ford Field on December 19, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)

(Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)

The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport unearthed something in the depths of a new contract for Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray on Monday, something that is going to follow Murray and the organization for the rest of his career.

While joining Around The NFL on Thursday, Rapoport talked through how he exactly came across an independent study clause, one that requires Murray to go over four hours of game prep a week or he does not get his full guarantees in a five-year, $230.5 million contract extension.

The origin of it becoming public knowledge is particularly interesting to find out, because as the news cycle in the last 72 hours showed, this was not a good look for Murray, his agent or the team. If it was leaked from the Cardinals, it would have surely been done in an attempt to paint Murray in a bad light.

Alas, that was not the case.

Rapoport explained that an official contract enters a portal that can be accessed with the right sources. The reason for Rapoport’s digging through the contract was for the baseball clause in Murray’s contract, and that’s when he also came across the study clause.

 

Rapoport called Murray’s agent to make sure this was a real thing, and it indeed was, which brought on him sharing it Monday afternoon.

He also indicated a desire that Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro reported on Monday from owner Michael Bidwill for the clause to be in the contract.

“I don’t think anyone looks good in this, honestly,” Rapoport said. “It’s not great for Kyler, it’s not great for the agent.”

Murray responded to the criticism that came with the details of the study clause on Thursday. He was not scheduled to speak with the media but took the platform to defend himself and cited his accomplishments.

“I’m talking today because I feel it’s necessary with what’s going on regarding me and the things that are being said about me,” Murray said. “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 that passion and not take this serious — it’s disrespectful and it’s almost a joke.”

Presented By
Western Governors University

Arizona Cardinals

Aaron Rodgers...

Associated Press

Aaron Rodgers’ practice window opens in attempted return to Jets after torn Achilles

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers' potential return from a torn Achilles tendon has taken the next step.

2 hours ago

Elijah Wilkinson looks on...

Tyler Drake

Arizona Cardinals designating OL Elijah Wilkinson to return from IR

The Arizona Cardinals are designating guard Elijah Wilkinson to return from injured reserve, head coach Jonathan Gannon said Wednesday.

4 hours ago

Keaontay Ingram #30 of the Arizona Cardinals carries the ball during the fourth quarter of the game...

Kellan Olson

Arizona Cardinals release RB Keaontay Ingram, DL Ben Stille

The Arizona Cardinals released running back Keaontay Ingram and defensive lineman Ben Stille on Tuesday.

1 day ago

C.J. Stroud escapes the Cardinals' pass rush...

Tyler Drake

Texans heat index: Tracking Cardinals’ 2nd 1st-round pick in 2024 NFL Draft

To help keep track of the Cardinals' extra first-round pick in the 2024 draft, a closer look at where the Texans stand on the draft board.

1 day ago

Presented By...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Is Kyler Murray the Arizona Cardinals’ guy? Ron Wolfley shares when he’ll know

Kyler Murray’s rough game against the Los Angeles Rams leads Ron Wolfley shares when he’ll make up his mind and know if K1 is the Arizona Cardinals’ guy. Presented By

1 day ago

Presented By...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: When will fans know if Kyler Murray is the Arizona Cardinals’ guy?

Kyler Murray’s rough game against the Los Angeles Rams leads Ron Wolfley to pose the question to Luke Lapinski: When will fans know if K1 is the Arizona Cardinals’ guy? Video: Felisa Cárdenas and Jeremy Schnell/Arizona Sports Presented By

1 day ago

How Kyler Murray’s study clause in Cardinals contract became public