The Arizona Cardinals reportedly plan to release quarterback Kyler Murray when the NFL’s 2026 league year begins on March 11, which starts the free agency period as well.

Murray should have suitors, but he could also pursue baseball, as the Athletics still hold his rights in that sport after selecting him ninth overall in the 2018 MLB draft.

If he does change sports, the door might be open, as A’s general manager David Forst told to Martín Gallegos of MLB.com.

“Kyler is an elite NFL quarterback and I’m sure there are plenty of opportunities for him to continue his football career,” Forst said Wednesday. “That said, he and his baseball representatives know that we’re always open to him exploring a return to baseball with the A’s if that time ever comes.”

Murray played two collegiate baseball seasons at Oklahoma. He did quite well in the 2018 campaign, hitting .296 (.954 OPS) with 10 home runs and 47 RBI. Murray added 46 runs and 10 stolen bases.

Murray should have options to pursue in the NFL, though. The Minnesota Vikings and New York Jets stand out as two obvious teams.

Per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano, the Vikings are reportedly looking to add a veteran to the QB room alongside JJ McCarthy, who struggled over 10 starts during his first year calling signals.

Fowler wrote: “I’ve also heard that the Vikings are considering Murray and Geno Smith as they outline their veteran quarterback plan. Tua Tagovailoa and Kirk Cousins are also on their radar. Some I’ve talked to are breaking those four into two tiers, with Murray and Smith in the first group.”

The Jets are in the market for a new quarterback. They benched Week 1 starter Justin Fields twice last season alone, all but signaling that they’ll be looking for a new QB. Murray could be the answer.

Ultimately, it’s hard seeing Murray bolting the NFL for baseball when he should have options to make millions and continue his career in the league.

He still has some time left in the league (Murray turns 29 years old in August), and it’s hard seeing him start over in MLB in his late-20s when he can be an established starting QB elsewhere in 2026.