When the A's signed Kyler Murray to a $4.66 million deal last summer after making him the No. 9 pick in the MLB Draft, they knew they were taking a gamble.
That gamble proved to be even more risky during this year's college football season. Murray was a star quarterback for the Oklahoma Sooners this year on his way to winning the Heisman trophy, making the NFL more and more intriguing for the electric quarterback.
So, what happens to that signing bonus if Murray turns his focus to football? According to Jon Morosi, there is a provision in his contract where the two-sport star would have to repay the A's a large portion if he opts to go to the NFL instead of MLB.
Murray dominated for the Sooners this season with his accuracy throwing the ball and his catch-me-if-you-can speed on the ground. Would that translate to the NFL? He is listed at 5-foot-10 and his size certainly has scouts differing on his potential as a pro.
While Adam Schefter has heard from a NFL GM that Murray would be a first-round pick, Ian Rapoport has heard second or third round from scouts.
For comparison's sake, Lamar Jackson, the last pick in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, signed a $9.47 million deal with the Ravens that has a $4.97 million signing bonus.
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Time and time again, Murray's agent Scott Boras has doubled down that his client will play baseball and will be in spring training for the A's. But, neither side has 100 percent shot down Murray giving the NFL a shot.
Underclassmen have until Jan. 14, 2019 to declare for next year's NFL Draft, and until then, it's anyone's guess what Murray will do.
