Athletics GM Keeps Door Open for Kyler Murray Return as Cardinals Exit Looms

Oakland, CA—As Kyler Murray prepares for life after the Arizona Cardinals, the Oakland Athletics are reminding the two-sport star that a return to the diamond remains on the table.

Cardinals officials informed Murray this week that the quarterback will be released when the new league year opens, ending a seven-year NFL tenure that peaked with a five-year, $230.5 million extension in 2022 but unraveled amid injuries and a 3-14 season that cost head coach Jonathan Gannon his job. Murray, owed $36.8 million and limited to five games last season after a foot injury, posted a heartfelt farewell to Arizona fans on social media, apologizing for “failing” to deliver the franchise its first championship since 1947.

While Murray’s football future is uncertain, Athletics general manager David Forst made it clear the organization has not closed the book on the 28-year-old outfielder.

“Kyler is an elite NFL quarterback and I’m sure there are plenty of opportunities for him to continue his football career,” Forst told MLB.com on Wednesday. “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.”

The connection dates to 2018, when Oakland selected Murray ninth overall and signed him to a deal that included a $4.66 million bonus. Murray instead opted to pursue football, leaving Oklahoma after a Heisman-winning 4,000-yard, 42-touchdown season and entering the 2019 NFL Draft, where he became the No. 1 overall pick.

Seven years later, the possibility of a baseball comeback—however remote—adds another layer to an already intriguing offseason. Murray will hit the open market with suitors from both leagues potentially vying for his services, but only one franchise can tout his draft rights.

For now, the A’s are keeping the invitation simple and open-ended: whenever Murray is ready to pick up a bat again, the green and gold will be waiting.