Fresh off news that the Dallas Cowboys are going to place the franchise tag on wide receiver Dez Bryant before Monday’s deadline comes a bit of news everyone expected.
According to team vice president Stephen Jones, the Cowboys are going to let star running back and reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year DeMarco Murray test free agency (via Fox Sports Southwest).
(Murray) is probably going to get some peace and see what’s out in the market, and then we’ll talk and see. I do believe deep down he’d love to stay in Dallas.
There wasn’t much thought given to the Cowboys placing the franchise tag on Murray instead of Bryant. However, some were holding out hope that the NFC East champions and their star running back would come to a long-term agreement before free agency starts March 10th.
That’s obviously not going to happen.
Murray, 27, led all NFL running backs in attempts (392), rushing yards (1,845), rushing touchdowns (13) and total yards (2,261) last season.
Despite less-than-stellar market conditions for running backs, it’s expected that Murray will get a lucrative long-term deal in free agency. Regarding his potential return to Dallas, it’s all going to be about the cash and whether Dallas entertains Murray with a competitive offer.
Photo: USA Today