The Athletics once drafted current NFL quarterback Kyler Murray ninth overall in the first round of the 2018 MLB Draft with the hopes of adding a franchise outfielder to their roster at the time.<\/p>\n
Murray, however, opted to instead declare for the 2019 NFL Draft, in which he was selected first overall by the Arizona Cardinals.<\/p>\n
The 2019 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year was informed by the Cardinals that he is being released, NFL Media\u2019s Ian Rapoport<\/a> reported on Tuesday, sparking questions about Murray\u2019s future.<\/p>\n Now that Murray is an NFL free agent, is a return to the baseball field possible? A\u2019s general manager David Forst shared that the team would be willing to bring him back if a potential reunion presented itself.<\/p>\n “Kyler is an elite NFL quarterback and I\u2019m sure there are plenty of opportunities for him to continue his football career,\u201d Forst told MLB.com on Wednesday<\/a>. \u201cThat said, he and his baseball representatives know that we\u2019re always open to him exploring a return to baseball with the A\u2019s if that time ever comes.\u201d<\/p>\n Following his decision to pursue a football career over baseball, the 28-year-old was placed on MLB\u2019s restricted list, and the A’s retained his rights if Murray ever decides to switch back to the diamond.<\/p>\n After his release from Arizona, the two-time Pro Bowl selection shared a message to Cardinals fans for whom he played seven NFL seasons.<\/p>\n To everyone that supported me and showed kindness to my family and I during my time in AZ, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. <\/p>\n I wanted nothing more than to be the one to end the 77 year drought for this organization, I am sorry I failed us. I wish this community and my\u2026<\/p>\n