The Cardinals and Kyler Murray 'independent study' clause mess is so laughably bad

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Oh man. What a mess in Arizona.

And it’s one that I didn’t think could get any worse, but here we are.

Let’s take a look back for a second at Kyler Murray’s wacky offseason: In an attempt to get a huge extension, he scrubbed Cardinals references off Instagram. There were statements from him and a loooong one from his agent. Then, Murray restored the posts, he then got a massive extension and that ended an already-ridiculous chain of events.

But wait! Then there was that reported clause requiring him to study at least four hours a week.

Why give your star QB you’re investing so much in a REQUIREMENT that he has to study, something that by so many accounts isn’t in a typical quarterback contract?

The leaking of that info angered Murray — although he shouldn’t be mad at anyone but the Cardinals — with him basically calling out anyone who would question his work ethic (worth noting that in 2021 he said, via the New York Times, “I’m not one of those guys that’s going to sit there and kill myself watching film. I don’t sit there for 24 hours and break down this team and that team and watch every game because, in my head, I see so much.” OK!)

Now, the “independent study” clause is gone. But it’s way too late for that. Murray knows exactly how the franchise feels about him. Perhaps that fuels him and motivates him to watch more film, which would be an ideal outcome.

Here’s what I think is more likely: If he struggles, there will be A LOT of noise, filled with criticism. That may be too much for Murray to tune out. And suddenly, the Cardinals will have a massive problem on their hands, one they might have avoided if they hadn’t included the clause … or maybe if they traded him if they didn’t think he was studious enough.

If you’re anything but a Cardinals fan, this is just a laughable mess. And there’s probably more drama coming the moment Murray underperforms.

Quick hits: An inside-the-park HR off an outfielder’s face … Jimmy Butler’s extension jokes … and more.

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— Trey Mancini hit an inside-the-park homer that went off a Rays outfielder’s face.

— So many jokes about Jimmy Butler’s new extensions.

— Speaking of contract clauses, there’s one in the Pelicans’ deal with Zion Williamson over the forward’s weight and body fat percentage.

— Dylan Cease is a great Cy Young value play for bettors.