DeMarco Murray is well aware that when it comes to free agency, he is the prettiest running back of them all. Yes, players like Frank Gore and CJ Spiller will be hitting the market with solid resumes, but Murray has the upperhand. The Dallas Cowboys running back had a big season leading the league in rushing while breaking franchise records in the process, but as rumors loom that he will not be returning, Murray wants everyone to know he cannot be replaced.
Murray could likely be the odd man out with the Cowboys as Dez Bryant's contract will take priority. The running back has already rejected one offer from the team in hopes of getting more in an annual salary. Murray wants to make it clear that if the Cowboys think they can replace his production, they cannot.
"I would like to see how it goes," Murray said, via NFL Network. "I would like to see how that plan would work for them. I don't pay attention to it. You know, I have full confidence in myself and my ability to do what I'm capable of doing. I know my talents, I know how hard I play and, you know, I know what I bring to the table. So I'm not worried about it and, you know, I don't hear it."
Murray is aware of his leverage. The running back was the x-factor to a successful season in Dallas with 1,845 yards. As a result, he wants to get paid, but contracts assigned to Tony Romo and the pending big deal for Bryant are hurting his chances at coming back. The running back admits that he understands he might not return to the Cowboys in 2015.
"I love playing with them, I love playing for coach Garrett, I love playing for the great Dallas organization," Murray said. "And, you know, those guys you play hard for, you come out, you lay it on the line for those guys -- it's easier to do it because they're going to do the same thing for me and vice versa."
The Cowboys have been rumored to be eyeing a trade for Adrian Peterson, but if the team cannot afford Murray, they cannot afford the Vikings' star. They could chase players like Mark Ingram or Knowshon Moreno. Meanwhile, teams like the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers and New England Patriots will all be eyeing Murray with big money.
