Kyler Murray's new salary with the Arizona Cardinals is more than the Athletics' active payroll

Just three years ago, Kyler Murray had a major decision to make. Should he pursue a career as an NFL quarterback or should he stick with the Oakland Athletics — who drafted him ninth overall in 2018 — and work his way to becoming a Major League Baseball player?

At the time, there was actual debate about the subject. NFL careers are generally shorter and take a physical toll on mobile quarterbacks. Contracts aren’t fully guaranteed like baseball contracts, but successful NFL quarterbacks are global superstars — while Bryce Harper (at No. 99) is the only MLB player in the World 100.

Football — albeit riskier — was the quicker route to fame and fortune. And for Murray, that decision paid off in just three years after being selected No. 1 by Arizona.

The Cardinals announced on Thursday that Murray agreed to a five-year extension with the team in a deal that would pay him $230.5 million ($160 million guaranteed) and an annual salary of $46.1 million.

To put that in perspective with his baseball alternative, the entire active 2022 payroll for the Oakland Athletics is $41.9 million. Had Murray chosen baseball, he’d either be making far less on a last-place team or still riding a bus in the minor-league system for baseball’s stingiest franchise. Instead, he’s a Pro Bowl quarterback making more than Oakland’s active payroll.

So, yeah, Murray officially made the right decision. Fans could not deny that this time.