Remember during the 2013 offseason when Jerry Jones stated he wanted to make the run game a priority throughout the season? That failed to happen. The Dallas Cowboys averaged just 94.2 yards per game while running backs only put up 4.2 yards per carry. With the 2014 being crucial for the Cowboys in terms of success, the team is attempting to work out their running back rotation now for the future.
DeMarco Murray became the starting running back despite facing plenty of preseason doubt. He finished with 1,124 yards, ranking him 10th in the NFL with nine touchdowns. He became the first Cowboys' running back to put up over 1,000 yards rushing since 2006. However, he still faced double with numerous small injuries that has put his future in question.
Murray is entering the final year of his current contract with the Cowboys and ESPNDallas.com is reporting the team has no plans to offer a contract extension after that. Dallas already has to open their checkbooks for many players this offseason, but Murray will not be one of them. The Cowboys have no plans of releasing the running back, he just does not factor into their future.
Jerry Jones is looking to get younger in the running back position. Joseph Randle and Lance Dunbar remain on the roster, but one of them could be a cap casualty. Dallas is in a very tight spot in regards to their salary cap. Three running backs all signed to multi-year contracts might not work into their financial plans.
The running back class in the 2014 draft is where Jones is setting his sights. The owner and King Cowboy is looking for a young backup to Murray according to ESPN.com
Tre Mason is the top running back in this year's draft, but do not expect the Cowboys to grab this position early. If Jones is smart he waits until a later round to grab someone. Players like Silas Reed out of Southern California or former Georgia running back Isaiah Crowell could be solid options for Dallas in the fifth or sixth round.
Murray will return in 2014 to be the undisputed leader of the running back group. He adjusted well to the style of coach Gary Brown and put up one of the best seasons for the Cowboys. The issue remains in how dedicated Dallas stays with a balanced offense. Head coach Jason Garrett underutilized Murray leading to a failed rushing attack once again.