NEW ORLEANS, LA – Clauses in sports contacts are nothing new, but they are usually related to the player’s safety. Jeff Kent was not supposed to be riding that motorcycle and Aaron Boone was not supposed to be playing basketball when they got hurt in the way back when. But when clauses are inserted for behavior related reasons, they get more attention. A few interesting clauses have recently been added into the contract extensions of Kyler Murray, Zion Williamson, and Deebo Samuel.
Let’s take a look.
The Kyler Film Study Clause
It’s hard to think of a clause in a contract that would be more detrimental to a QB’s image than one that forces him to study film. I’m guessing that was not necessary for Brady, Manning and the other greats.
The Cards got rid of the clause after it raised plenty of eyebrows, and all parties involved tried to pretend it was no big deal. But it’s a big deal. No position in sports needs to study film more than a quarterback and the fact that his team doesn’t think he does it enough screams volumes about his work ethic and how the Cards are not quite sold on him.
You can’t get by on this level with talent alone, kid. Get in that firm room.
The Zion Fat Clause
It’s also not ideal when you have the ups of a young Dominique Wilkins, but are weighed down by an extra Spud Webb around your waist. Zion’s weight has likely contributed to his injury issues and kept him off the court.
So, the Pelicans put in a clause for Williamson to stay under 295 lbs. Seems doable, though New Orleans is not the best place to be if you’re trying to stay svelte. The food in that town is freakin’ fantastic.
Lay off the gumbo, Jumbo.
The Deebo Running Back Clause
I
t was interesting to note that Deebo has about $2 million in incentives for running the ball in his contract extension. I’m not sure if that means he has no complaints about carrying the ball or if it means he might as well get some more cash if they insist on handing it to him. But that little inventive has got to bump him up a few spots in Fantasy Drafts, after there was some rumors that he didn’t want to run it that much anymore. Samuel had a 6.2 yards per carry average with 8 TDs on 59 totes last season. Tack on 1405 receiving yards and 6 more TDs on 77 catches, and you have a rainbow Pegasus unicorn.
The Giants may be trying to take a page from this back as Kadarius Toney and Wan’Dale Robinson are taking running back reps in camp before they move on to receiver work. Any creativity will be welcomed with giant open arms after the Dark Jason Garrett ERA, with an offense less dynamic than Electronic Quarterback.
Feed Deebo (and Kararius).
Other Clauses That Should Happen (or Should Have)
He are a few clauses that creative GMs might need to add in the next few years and a few that should have been added in the past.
The Zach Wilson No Unsupervised Visits with Teammates’ Mothers Clause
The Deshaun Watson Don’t Whip it Out Unless Asked Clause
The Mark Brunell Financial Advisor Clause
The Travis Henry/Antonio Cromartie/Phillip Rivers Eight is Enough Condom Clause
That’s it for me. Let me know what clauses I missed and come back tomorrow for Angry Ward. Follow us on Twitter at @BenWhit8, @MeetTheMatts, @Matt_McCarthy00, Instagram @MeetTheMatts and like our Facebook page, Meet The Matts.
