Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray is slated to become a free agent in March. And while he’s coming off a season that saw him put up a league-high 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns, a return to the Cowboys is far from a certainty.
With the Cowboys honing in on signing Dez Bryant to a long-term extension and very little money under the salary cap, there’s a strong possibility that Murray will be moving on in free agency.
Speaking specifically about the idea that he is replaceable in Dallas, Murray had this to say (via NFL.com).
I would like to see how it goes. I would like to see how that plan would work for them. I don’t pay attention to it. You know, I have full confidence in myself and my ability to do what I’m capable of doing. I know my talents, I know how hard I play and, you know, I know what I bring to the table. So I’m not worried about it and, you know, I don’t hear it.
Dallas previously had a low-ball four-year, $16 million contract on the table for Murray. Despite his success this past season, running backs just aren’t valued in free agency, which likely played a role in the seemingly disrespectful extension offer.
Should Murray hit the open market, he will likely receive more than the $4 million Dallas offered. The question would then become just how much.
As it relates to the Cowboys, they’d likely be forced to look at the draft this upcoming April as an avenue to add another running back. The good news here is that the 2015 NFL draft class is stacked at running back. The bad news here is that Murray isn’t simply a replaceable commodity.
Photo: USA Today