The Arizona Cardinals made sure to include language in the rookie contract of quarterback Kyler Murray to protect them financially should Murray decide to return to baseball. Murray, of course, was drafted in the first round by the Oakland Athletics last year and had to pay back the signing bonus he received from them.
His return to baseball was a potential concern for contract negotiations, although the Cardinals and Murray’s agent were on the same page regarding the issue.
According to Pro Football Talk, if Murray plays baseball, he will void all guarantees of his contract. His rookie contract is worth more than $35 million guaranteed, with $23.5 million to sign.
While the league prohibits the use of a clause that would ban Murray from playing baseball, the Cardinals are protected financially. As PFT explains, Murray would have to pay back any prorated amount of his signing bonus, and his salary guarantees would void.
Murray said after he was drafted last month that he is focused on football. He wouldn’t answer a question about whether he misses baseball when he spoke to reporters after his first practice of rookie minicamp.
Murray would have to give up a lot to go back to baseball. It likely isn’t something for fans to worry about.
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