Kyler Murray declares for NFL draft; MLB still possible

[Auggie]

OAKLAND -- Two-sport standout Kyler Murray, who is under contract with the A's, officially declared for the NFL Draft ahead of Monday's midnight ET deadline, further magnifying a most momentous decision.

By opting in to the NFL Draft, a move that is essentially procedural, Murray remains within the confines of his deal with the A's -- which includes a $4.66 million signing bonus following his first-round selection in last June's MLB Draft -- but he must now decide whether to honor it.

While time remains for Murray to come to a final decision, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Monday that Murray "has informed the Oakland A's of his intention to follow his heart to the NFL, where many project him to be a first-round pick.

"He always can change his mind, but his mind has been made up," Schefter added.

MORE: https://www.mlb.com/news/kyler-murray-declares-for-nfl-draft/c-302701478

BIG mistake, dude ...

[rurallib]

1. Play baseball, young man. You will have a longer career

and live much longer - and in less pain.

[Auggie]

4. +1,000,000

[True Dough]

2. Which NFL team will gamble on him, I wonder?

If it's the Patriots, I hope he never plays football!

[Bradshaw3]

3. Smart decision

His chances of making it to the major leagues and playing three years are around 50 percent. Even if he did make it, he would have to play well in those three years, and more likely five years, in order to set himself up for a big payday. Whereas in the NFL, he would get a big payday as a first round choice, be guaranteed a spot on an NFL roster, and could make as much or money being a backup as he would as an average or better MLB player. If he starts for an NFL team and has a good career, then he would make more money than in MLB, unless he became a superstar. His one season at Oklahoma, he hit .298 with not much power so he doesn't project as a superstar in baseball. While only 5'9" his rare combination of passing accuracy, cool decision-making from the pocket, and sprinter speed give him a shot at becoming a unique and successful NFL quarterback.