A's Open to Kyler Murray Exploring MLB Return

Former NFL No. 1 draft pick could consider two-sport career after expected release from Cardinals

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Kyler Murray, the former No. 1 NFL draft pick, is expected to be released by the Arizona Cardinals next week, opening up new opportunities for the 28-year-old quarterback. While several NFL teams are reportedly interested in signing Murray, the Oakland A's - who originally drafted him in 2018 - have indicated they would be open to him exploring a return to professional baseball if he chooses to pursue that path.

Why it matters

Murray's potential return to baseball would be a rare feat, with only a few athletes like Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders successfully playing both professional football and baseball. The A's still own Murray's contractual rights, so any attempt at a two-sport career would need to go through them, adding an extra layer of complexity.

The details

The A's signed Murray in 2018 before he was selected No. 1 overall by the Cardinals in the NFL draft the following year. Now that Murray is expected to be released by the Cardinals, the A's have said they would be open to him exploring a return to baseball. Murray was a standout outfielder for the University of Oklahoma in 2018, batting .296 with 10 home runs and 47 RBIs.

  • Kyler Murray is expected to be released by the Arizona Cardinals next week.

The players

Kyler Murray

A 28-year-old quarterback who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. He was previously drafted by the Oakland A's in the 2018 MLB Draft.

David Forst

The general manager of the Oakland A's, who said the team would be open to Murray exploring a return to baseball if he chooses to do so.

Bo Jackson

A former professional athlete who successfully played both Major League Baseball and the NFL.

Deion Sanders

A former professional athlete who successfully played both Major League Baseball and the NFL.

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What they’re saying

“Kyler is an elite NFL quarterback, and I'm sure there are plenty of opportunities for him to continue his football career. 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.”

— David Forst, General Manager, Oakland A's (MLB.com)

What’s next

The A's would need to work out a deal with Kyler Murray and any NFL teams interested in him to allow him to pursue a two-sport career.

The takeaway

Kyler Murray's potential return to baseball would be a rare and exciting opportunity, demonstrating the versatility of elite athletes who can excel at multiple professional sports. The A's' openness to welcoming Murray back shows their commitment to developing homegrown talent and providing unique opportunities for players.