Kyler Murray declares for NFL Draft, still under contract with A's

Kirstie Chiappelli

Kyler Murray declares for NFL Draft, still under contract with A's image

Straddling the line between MLB and the NFL, Kyler Murray has taken a step toward the latter.

The Oklahoma double threat announced Monday on Twitter that he will enter the 2019 NFL Draft.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Murray declares for the draft without violating the terms of his contract with the Athletics, which allows him to keep his options open until February when he makes a definitive decision about which sport he would prefer to play professionally.

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The A's selected Murray with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft and gave him a $4.66 million signing bonus. If Murray was to decide to play football, he would have to give back most or all of the bonus.

Oakland has had its concerns about Murray especially after his stock soared with his Heisman Trophy win, but the team is considering allowing him to attend the combine even though he had initially planned to be present for spring training.

Murray, 21, helped the Sooners earn a berth in the College Football Playoff this season after leading the team to a Big 12 title and 12-1 regular-season record. The dual-threat quarterback threw for 4,361 yards, 42 touchdowns and seven interceptions while adding 1,001 yards and 12 scores on the ground.

He also batted .296 with 10 home runs, 47 RBIs and 10 stolen bases as an outfielder for the Sooners in 2018.

 

Kirstie Chiappelli