Report: A's believe Murray will declare for NFL draft

The decision to declare wouldn't necessarily hurt Murray's prospects with the
A's, with whom he agreed to a $4.66 million deal after being selected ninth
overall in June's first-year player draft.

And if Murray does declare for the draft, it does not automatically void his
contract with the A's, according to the Chronicle. In fact, a source told the
paper that "Murray declaring for the draft is not considered to be
contractually significant."

The more important deadline could be when the A's position players report for
spring training Feb. 15. If Murray declares for the NFL draft, he would likely
need to attend the NFL combine in late February to maximize his chances of
getting taken early.

Multiple outlets have reported that Murray could go in the first round of the
NFL draft if he declares, or very likely by the end of Round 2.

The Oklahoma star had been steadfast about his intentions to choose baseball
over football and begin his career with the Athletics after this college
season, but he was noncommittal on the subject in December, and signs have
suggested he could choose the NFL.

The Sooners submitted Murray's name with other underclassmen to the NFL
College Advisory Committee, which helps players determine when they might be
drafted to help make decisions about leaving school early. Murray's baseball
agent, Scott Boras, softened his tone in December and said Murray's plans
could change, after Boras previously had sounded resolute that Murray would
play baseball.

Murray threw for 4,361 yards and 42 touchdowns in leading the Sooners to the
national championship semifinals, where they lost to then-No. 1 Alabama 45-34
in the Orange Bowl. He passed for 308 yards and two touchdowns in that game.

Players intending to declare early for the NFL draft have until next Monday to
file declaration papers with the league.

--Field Level Media