Franchise tag day has arrived in the NFL and the Dallas Cowboys are preparing to be one of the active participants. With several of their stars preparing to hit the free agent market, the team simply cannot afford to let everyone walk away. The focus has fallen on Dez Bryant and DeMarco Murray, the two players largely responsible for the Cowboys' success in 2014. However, both deals are not likely to get finalized as both players might not be satisfied with the outcome.

According to CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora, unless a deal is reached by the 4 p.m. deadline, Bryant will be signed to the franchise tag, a one-year deal worth roughly $13 million in guaranteed money for 2015. This is not the outcome Bryant wanted. The wide receiver has been in negotiations with the Cowboys for some time now in hopes of inking a lucrative long-term contract that he has rightfully earned. However, the Cowboys simply cannot afford to take it one thanks to the current contract Tony Romo is signed to that is eating away at cap space. However, Dallas is fully aware they cannot lose Bryant and this is the only option.

So where does that leave Murray. Many believed that if Bryant got the franchise tag, the Cowboys might be able to sign Murray to a long-term deal. The running back led the NFL in 2014 while breaking several franchise records in the process. Considering how devalued his position has become, Murray is looking to get his money this year even if it is not with the Cowboys. Dallas Vice President Stephen Jones  confirms that negotiations with Murray are ongoing, but the running back will test the market.

"[Murray] is probably going to, you know, 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," Jones said, via FOX Sports. "We'd love to keep him in Dallas; just see how things play out."

If Murray does not return, is the door open for the Dallas Cowboys to trade for Adrian Peterson? According to ESPN, the running back has no intentions of returning to the Minnesota Vikings after being reinstated and his father told the St. Paul Pioneer Press that he has heard the Cowboys are in the running for a trade. However, the Cowboys likely can only afford Peterson if he is released. The running back's contract is simply not welcomed on their pay roll. With that, players like CJ Spiller, Mark Ingram or Frank Gore could get a look while running backs like Todd Gurley or TJ Yeldon could be draft targets.