A brutal offseason for him arizona cardinals It’s gotten worse again after a teammate criticized Kyler Murray’s work ethic, claiming the quarterback didn’t feel inclined to live up to expectations after signing a massive $230.5 million contract extension in July.
«It was like they created a monster,» an anonymous veteran told Bally Sports of the implications. Murray contract extension had in his performance.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray passes under pressure from Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022, in Charlotte, NC
(AP Photo/Rusty Jones)
«Once paid, the veteran said, Murray felt less of a compulsion to study his game plan or meet the expectations of the franchise quarterback position than in the past, and the Cards’ collapse felt predictable.» the report said.
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The Cardinals had previously included an «independent study» clause in Murray’s original contract, which reportedly required him to study the game film for at least four hours per game week, but that stipulation was later removed after a fierce backlash.
«After seeing the distraction it created, we removed the contract addendum,» the organization said in a statement at the time. «It was clearly perceived in ways that were never intended.»
«Our confidence in Kyler Murray is higher than ever and nothing demonstrates our belief in his ability to lead his team more than the commitment reflected in this contract.»
Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals warms up before kickoff against the New England Patriots at State Farm Stadium on December 12, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona.
(Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
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Murray also defended himself during a news conference on questions about his work ethic. “To think that I can achieve everything that I have achieved in my career and not be a student of the game, and not have that passion and not take this seriously, is disrespectful and almost a joke,” he said.
«Honestly, I’m flattered that everyone thinks that, at my size, I can go out and not prepare for the game and not take it seriously.»
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022, in Glendale, Arizona.
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
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Murray underwent knee surgery to repair an ACL injury sustained against the New England Patriots December 12th.
The Cardinals began last season with a 10-2 record, emerging as Super Bowl favorites, but lost four of their last five regular-season games. They lost to the eventual Super Bowl champions in the wild card round.
After a 4-13 finish this season, the Cardinals announced they had fired head coach Kliff Kingsbury and were parting ways with general manager Steve Keim, who stepped away to focus on his health.
Associated Press contributed to this report.