Jerry Jones is well aware that the Dallas Cowboys have some tough decisions to make regarding contracts and free agency. Two of the team's biggest stars can hit the market and Dallas must decide who stays and who goes. Salary cap restraints are not making things easy for Dez Bryant and DeMarco Murray, but one player appears set to exit the franchise come March.
Murray was the best running back in the league this year after rushing for 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns while breaking franchise records in the process. Murray was the biggest x-factor in the Cowboys' success in 2014, helping the team reach the divisional round of the playoffs before getting beat by the Green Bay Packers. Murray is officially a free agent at the start of the new year for the NFL and the Cowboys are not positive they can afford to re-sign him. Murray is not too concerned.
"Those guys know how I am as a person and I understand that business aspect," Murray said, via ESPN.com"I don't get butt-hurt. I don't get my feelings hurt. I believe in myself and what I'm capable of doing and whoever it is I'm playing for next year, I know I'm going to make a huge impact. I've thought about a lot of things I haven't told anyone yet, not even my agent or not even my family. You can sit back and look at the pros and cons of many different situations and you think of yourself and think of your family in these situations."
Murray has already rejected one offer from the Cowboys. Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported the Cowboys and the running back failed to reach an agreement on a four-year, $16 million contract which is a low-ball offer considering all Murray did for the team this year. With Bryant's contract likely taking priority over the running back, he might not get a better offer from Dallas which means he will be moving on.
The Cowboys have plenty of options when it comes to replacing Murray. However, the running back was their biggest star in 2014 and he will leave a big hole if he signs elsewhere. The biggest move that could be made is a trade for Adrian Peterson. The Minnesota Vikings running back has expressed desire to play in Dallas and Jones would likely pull the trigger on a deal if one can be made. The same can be said for LeSean McCoy, but both running backs would still be a heavy cap hit.
With Joseph Randle waiting in the wings, the Cowboys could sign players like Mark Ingram, Knowshon Moreno or CJ Spiller to a deal and work off a tandem instead of a lead back. The Cowboys will sign Bryant first and see what is left over for Murray. If it is not enough, the running back is prepared to walk.
"Obviously I love playing with these guys, love playing for Jerry, love playing for Jason [Garrett]," Murray said. "He's a helluva coach, a helluva guy. The things I've learned from him and [Jason Witten] in the four years I've been here, I'm very gracious and appreciative of it. If the chips fall that way, I'm excited and would love to come back. I don't know what's going to happen, so we'll see."
