July 26 (UPI) — Kyler Murray’s new contract extension with the Arizona Cardinals includes a rare “work independently” clause that requires the quarterback to spend at least four hours a week preparing for thoughts between games.
Sources told NFL Network, ESPN and NBC Sports on Monday about the contract. These media outlets also reported that the language of “working independently” was “unprecedented” and “very unusual” for a player contract.
NFL Network posted part of the deal on Twitter. The Cardinals and Murray agreed a five-year extension with the teams on Thursday. Murray signed the deal on Monday.
The details of the contract explain the independent work and state that Murray will be considered “in breach” of the contract if he does not comply with the language requirements.
“Independent Work” means a player who reviews material provided to him by the club to prepare for the club’s next game, including but not limited to such material provided via an iPad or other electronic device.
“Time spent in mandatory meetings is not independent work. The player does not receive credit for independent work during any period in which he has not personally reviewed the submitted material in good faith.”
Contracts are mutual concessions. An example from #AZCardinals QB Kyler Murray’s $230.5 million contract: He has an add-on that requires 4 hours of “self-study” per game week. It’s important for the team to make that level of commitment, so it’s also important for Murray. pic.twitter.com/VqrkvoBQLJ — Jan Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 25, 2022
The contract further states that Murray will not receive credit for research as long as the material is available on the iPad or electronically, unless he personally examines or studies the material or engages in any other activity that might distract him. Contract provides examples of such distractions, including watching TV, surfing the web, and playing video games.
Murray is known as an active video game player and streamer. Murray told the New York Times in December that his “cognitive ability” allowed him to get out on the field and see things before they happen. He said he wasn’t “one of those guys who would sit and kill himself while watching a movie.”
“I’m not going to sit there 24 hours and tear this and this team down and watch every game because I see so many things in my head,” Murray said.
The Murray deal runs through 2028 and includes a $160 million guarantee. The two-time Pro Bowl selection finished last season for 3,787 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in 14 starts with a career-best 69.2%. Murray also rushed for 423 yards last season and scored five goals.
All Cardinals players are expected to arrive at training camp at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Tuesday. The Cardinals will face the Cincinnati Bengals in their first friendly game in Cincinnati on August 12. They’ll host the Kansas City Chiefs in their first game of the regular season on September 11 in Glendale.
Source: Breitbart
