In addition to NFL teams potentially interested in Kyler Murray, once he is released by the Arizona Cardinals, there is another wild card: MLB’s Athletics.
The A’s retain Murray’s baseball rights after making him the 9th overall pick in the first round of the 2018 Major League Baseball Draft. A year later, the former Heisman Trophy winner chose to take his talents to the NFL, where the Cards selected him No. 1 overall in 2019.
With the cards set to release the two-time Pro Bowler, A’s general manager David Frost was asked about the possibility of Murray having a seat with the ball club.
“Kyler is an elite quarterback in the NFL and I’m sure there are plenty of opportunities for him to continue his football career,” Forst told MLB.com on Wednesday. “That being said, he and his baseball officials know that we are always open to him exploring a return to baseball with the A’s if the time comes.”
Murray, who hits and throws right-handed, was considered a five-tool player during his time at the University of Oklahoma. However, seven years away from baseball is an eternity, even for the best.
The 28-year-old quarterback should have plenty of options to sign an NFL contract in 2026, given his starting experience in a weak market and the ability to sign a veteran-minimum deal while Arizona pays him $36 million plus in guarantees. But, hey, if for some reason nothing metalizes, he could join A. It’s always good to have an option.
In Murray’s social media farewell post to Arizona fans, he said his “best ball” was ahead of him. He did not specify football.