The DeMarco Murray drama continues for the Philadelphia Eagles. After not getting the start in Week 13 against the New England Patriots, Murray reportedly went and complained about Chip Kelly to owner Jeffery Lurie which caused a fire storm of media reports. Now Murray's future is being put into question as many wonder if he is looking for a potential return back to Dallas. For his part, Murray tried to downplay all of it.
According to Murray, he has no regrets about signing a deal with the Eagles. The former NFL leading rusher signed his contract right as Ryan Mathews signed is meaning there would be a three-headed rushing attack with Darren Sproles on the roster. Murray stands by his decisions to go to Philadelphia leaving every other team in the dust as he tries to downplay the drama of the recent week.
"When I signed on that dotted line, I knew I was going to be here for a long time," Murray said, via ESPN.com. "I'm committed to winning a lot of games here. We're tied for first place in our division. We've got a chance to do some special things here."
It does not help that now Murray's future is being put into question. ESPN's Phil Sheridan wondered if the complaining to the owner meant that Murray was talking his way out of Philadelphia. Meanwhile Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com is reporting that sources believe there is a lot of truth to the idea that Murray wants to return to the Dallas Cowboys. The running back did not sign with Dallas because the Eagles offered more money, to the tune of five years and $40 million. Dallas could not afford that. It is also unlikely they could afford that if Murray requested a trade to the franchise.
For now, Murray is an Eagle and he is trying to make it clear that it will stay that way. The running back admitted he was frustrated not getting the start in Week 13. Things could get even muddier as Mathews returns from his concussion. That means that the Eagles will have three healthy running backs and will try to split the carries as they see fit. That might not make at least one person happy.
"I wouldn't say I was disappointed," Murray said, via ESPN.com. "We won the game, so I was happy with that. Every player wants an opportunity to contribute to the team -- especially me as a competitor. Obviously, it's hard. I've never been in that situation before. You've got to deal with it. Every guy in this locker room wants the ball. It's not just me."
The Eagles are set to face the Buffalo Bills in Week 14. They could find a lot of success running the ball if they commit to Murray. However, Kelly appears to like the versatility that Mathews and Sproles bring to the field so it is anyone's guess who gets the nod going forward for the team.