The Arizona Cardinals are set to release quarterback Kyler Murray following the start of the new NFL league year on March 11. This impending move has sparked speculation about whether the 28-year-old athlete might reconsider his professional path by returning to Major League Baseball, an option that remains open given his unique two-sport background.
Murray’s dual-sport career began at the University of Oklahoma, where he excelled in both football and baseball. He was selected ninth overall in the 2018 MLB Draft by the Oakland Athletics and then went first overall to the Arizona Cardinals in the 2019 NFL Draft. Although highly regarded in baseball, Murray chose to focus on football, signing a four-year, $35 million rookie contract with the Cardinals and forfeiting the majority of his $4.66 million signing bonus from the Athletics.
His faith in a football future was confirmed with a lucrative five-year, $230.5 million extension with Arizona in 2022. Yet, as his release nears, the possibility of returning to baseball is gaining attention since the Athletics still hold his MLB rights.
Oakland Athletics Keep the Window Open for Murray’s Baseball Comeback
Athletics general manager David Forst addressed the speculation about Murray’s potential MLB return without hesitation.
“Kyler is an elite NFL quarterback and I’m sure there are plenty of opportunities for him to continue his football career,”
Forst stated.
“That said, he and his baseball representatives know that we’re always open to him exploring a return to baseball with the A’s if that time ever comes.”
Throughout his collegiate baseball career, Murray proved his competitiveness on the diamond, hitting .296 with 10 home runs and 47 RBIs in 51 games during his final season with the Sooners. His standout athleticism and speed made him one of the most remarkable two-sport prospects in recent memory.
Despite this talent, football was always the clear priority for Murray. During his time at Oklahoma, he earned the prestigious Heisman Trophy as college football’s top player, and he continued to impress at the professional level by winning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and securing two Pro Bowl selections.
Football Options Remain Viable for Murray After Release
Even with his upcoming release, Murray is expected to attract considerable attention from NFL teams. His talent on the field and the structure of his contract make him a highly desirable free agent.
The five-year, $230.5 million extension he signed in 2022 still includes guaranteed money, with $38.8 million secured for the 2026 season. This financial aspect could encourage NFL teams to sign him under terms that better fit their salary cap, with the Arizona Cardinals shouldering a significant portion of his contract obligations.
As a result, Murray could quickly become one of the most intriguing quarterbacks available on the market. Recent reports from The Athletic have identified five potential NFL destinations for him: the Atlanta Falcons, New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings, Miami Dolphins, and Cleveland Browns.
If Murray finds a home with any of these or other teams searching for a franchise quarterback, it would indicate his professional football career is far from over.
In that scenario, the prospect of Murray returning to the Athletics and resuming a baseball career may remain more of an intriguing “what if” rather than an impending reality.
