The Dallas Cowboys are keeping their fingers crossed that a team is not willing to overpay for DeMarco Murray. The team is well-aware of just how valuable the running back is to them and also knows they stand a chance at bringing him back if the market is weak. Right now, big money is not there for running backs after LeSean McCoy and Marshawn Lynch got new deals. The question remains whether or not it is there for Murray and what Dallas will do about it.
So far, the market has been quiet in terms of interest for Murray. Currently waiting for free agency to begin, several running backs have already been swept up to big deals which might mean no one is looking to go all in on Murray. The Buffalo Bills are fully committed to McCoy, inking him a deal that pays him $16 million in 2016 after $10.5 million in 2015. Marshawn Lynch is staying in Seattle for $12 million. Is Murray worth that kind of cash?
Right now it appears most teams agree that Murray's success has more to do with an offensive line than the player himself. The Cowboys reportedly offered Murray what they deem a fair deal and will now play the waiting game for the running back. The Miami Dolphins will not overspend on the running back after acquiring Ndamukong Suh. The Eagles are taking on Frank Gore. The 49ers cannot afford him. The only team left looking to go all-in on Murray could be the Oakland Raiders, but they are favoring spending big on a wide receiver, according the SFGate.com.
ESPNDallas.com is reporting that if most offers for Murray are close to what the Cowboys are willing to spend, the running back will simply re-sign with the team. It is clear that Murray still believes he has a place in Dallas. The running back was spotting working out with Tony Romo earlier last week. He has expressed interest in staying put for most of the offseason, but is looking to see how much other teams value him first.
What will Dallas do if someone like the Raiders come in with a big deal for Murray? The team will not trade for Adrian Peterson at his current price. Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com is reporting that the Vikings are prepared to hang on to the running back and could offer some more money to make him happy. The Cowboys can no longer get Frank Gore or Mark Ingram as they are swept off the market. Is CJ Spiller the best option? He will not be cheap. They could eye Reggie Bush as a cheap addition. Knowshon Moreno could be an option if healthy. They could also enter the competition for Justin Forsett. The Cowboys have moves they can make, but none are as sweet as bringing back Murray.