The Dallas Cowboys are coming into the offseason with Dez Bryant as the main priority over DeMarco Murray and while Jerry Jones hopes to sign both players, it's likely that he won't be able to do that and he may ask quarterback Tony Romo to restructure his deal to help free up some money.
The Cowboys lost in the playoffs against the Green Bay Packers after a strong season and winning the NFC East division and now they have some significant players on the market. Jones said after the season that it would be difficult to sign both Dez Bryant and DeMarco Murray, but that the team plans on trying to keep them both. Bryant appears to be the priority this offseason and ESPN Dallas reports that if Murray ends up leaving, it will be Dallas's choice, as they have the space to sign both players.
Murray is coming off of an excellent season for the Cowboys, but he has dealt with injuries in the past and his heavy workload this year could lead to some regression. Running back is one of the most punishing positions in the league and that could make the Cowboys wary of signing Murray long term. Bryant is a dynamic player and with the way the rules are towards the passing game, Bryant is the priority for the Cowboys over Murray.
According to ESPN.com, the Cowboys and Murray have discussed a deal early on this offseason, with reports saying it's a four year deal worth over $16 million. The running back position has been devalued in the past few years and Murray touching the ball over 400 times this year could bring his price down a bit. Murray is likely going to ask for money in the field of Adrian Peterson, LeSean McCoy and Arian Foster and that could price out the Cowboys based on the cap space they have.
Jones has admitted that it will be hard to keep both bryant and Murray, but he has the room to sign both if he wants to. Bryant comes in after making 88 catches for 1320 yards and 16 touchdowns this past season and there is not a chance the Cowboys let him. ESPN.com writer Todd Archer reports that the team could use the franchise tag if they can't work out a long term deal with Bryant.
