2019 NFL Draft: Kyler Murray making right choice with football career

Kyler Murray, who won the Heisman and led Oklahoma football to the College Football Playoff, sees the writing on the wall – and it is covered in money signs.

According to a report by Susan Slusser, Murray will announce plans to enter the 2019 NFL Draft this Sunday, likely ending his career with the Oakland A’s, who drafted Murray last year.

The A’s signed Murray but allowed him to compete for the starting quarterback job with the Sooners this past fall. He won it, replacing Baker Mayfield and carrying Oklahoma to another conference title. Along the way, Murray dazzled fans with his big arm and speed, landing atop the Heisman voting.

In his contract with the A’s, Murray was not allowed to return to Oklahoma for his senior season. However, it does not forbid him from trying to become an NFL superstar, following in the footsteps of Mayfield.

Murray finished this past season with 4,361 yards passing and 42 touchdowns, completing 69 percent of his passes and just seven interceptions. He also ran for 1,001 yards and scored 12 more times.

Oakland drafted Murray No. 9 overall and he has a deal worth over $4.6 million from them. Even if he enters the NFL draft, there is still a chance he could report to camp with the A’s in February, but that is scheduled for 11 days before the NFL combine takes place.

Murray would need to return his signing bonus given from Oakland if he does pursue his NFL career. If he does decide to do that, the A’s will not receive a compensation pick in return.

If Murray moves on to pro football, Oakland would retain his professional baseball rights, meaning he could move back to the sport down the road. With that still available, it almost makes it a no-lose situation for Murray to try his hand at football now, while he is in his prime at just 21 years old, with baseball on the backburner if something happens.

While his MLB contract is a nice one, Sam Darnold received a four-year, $30 million deal from the New York Jets last year after being drafted, with a $20 million signing bonus. Add in the number of marketing deals Murray could obtain in the NFL compared to baseball, and his figure rises.