It was well documented that DeMarco Murray did not have an ideal season with the Philadelphia Eagles. After being the NFL's leading rusher in 2014, Murray signed a contract with the Eagles and was barely used. He then made public claims of being unhappy in the team's offense leading many to believe that the running back could be a one and done with the franchise. Then rumors surfaced of a trade leaving Murray to defend his position.
Murray signed a five-year, $42 million deal with the Eagles in 2014 and following that up with 702 yards and six touchdowns on the season as he struggled with the four-man rotation in Chip Kelly's offense. Speculation has been rising that Murray could be traded to a team like the Seattle Seahawks or Dallas Cowboys in the near future, but the running back is stressing that he is committed to Philadelphia.
"No. I'm signed there for the next four years. I don't know where that story is coming from," Murray said, via ESPN.com. "It's a little crazy. Every week I feel like there's something new. It's a little weird. I can't worry about what people are saying. I'll just continue to work hard. I'm signed for four years and I'm committed."
Murray told the media that he has spoken with new head coach Doug Pederson and he likes the more conventional offense the Eagles plan on running in 2016. Ryan Mathews will return to the field, but Darren Sproles is not a guarantee as rumors of a release or trade circle him. Pederson has confidence the Eagles' offense can bounce back after last year's roller coaster season. That effort will require having a running back like Murray and a backup like Mathews. While several teams would love to make a trade for the star, the Eagles know they need him more than they do not.
The biggest question for Murray is who will be handing him the ball. Sam Bradford is approaching free agency and there have been no reports of contract talks other than the rumor that he demanded $25 million from the Eagles prior to the season starting. The Eagles have the franchise tag in their back pocket and Howie Roseman said it is an option. The Eagles could also look to the draft and try to put their trust in a rookie quarterback. According to NJ.com the team met with prospects like Carson Wentz and Kevin Hogan at the Senior Bowl while Jared Goff and Paxton Lynch are the two other highest-rated options.
The Eagles sound inclined to keep Bradford, but affording him is a different story. According to Peter King of MMQB.com, Bradford is not sold on the idea of staying in Philadelphia and a franchise tag certainly will not make him happy, but the Eagles have the upper hand in the situation.