The NFL draft just became a lot more interesting.
Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray declared for the draft Monday ahead of the league’s deadline for underclassmen to declare. Murray is the most recent Heisman Trophy winner, but the 21-year-old also has a Major League Baseball contract with the Oakland A’s.
Some wondered whether Murray would pursue the NFL or stick with baseball.
I have declared for the NFL Draft.
— Kyler Murray (@TheKylerMurray) January 14, 2019
This decision doesn’t mean Murray will be in the NFL next season, but he is now eligible to be drafted.
Murray met with the A’s this past weekend to discuss his MLB future, and he reportedly demanded an additional $15 million to play baseball. Murray, drafted ninth overall by the A’s, previously agreed upon a $4 million signing bonus.
NFL scouts peg Murray as a second- or third-round pick, according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport. But this quarterback class is seen as thin, meaning Murray could be drafted higher than expected.
Murray, who is 5-foot-10, threw for 4,362 yards, 42 touchdowns and seven interceptions at Oklahoma this season.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.