The Dallas Cowboys have Dez Bryant as their top free agent priority this offseason and if Jerry Jones signs him over DeMarco Murray, the Cowboys could look at Marshawn Lynch as a replacement at running back if he is released or traded by the Seattle Seahawks and if that happens, the Cowboys, Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots all could be interested in making a move.
The Cowboys are coming into the offseason with Bryant and Murray as their biggest free agents and it will take some maneuvering to keep them both. Jerry Jones has spoken openly about the desire to keep both players and has mentioned that locking up Bryant is a major "priority" this winter. According to ESPN.com, the Cowboys have about $2 million on cap space heading into the offseason, but that number could balloon past $30 million if they make some cuts to the roster along with other moves.
Todd Archer at ESPN Dallas writes that Jones and the Cowboys have the means to sign both Murray and Bryant, as the salary cap is expected to rise a bit this winter. Archer adds that the if the Cowboys let Murray go, it will be by choice, as they can free up enough extra money to bring him and Bryant in on contracts. ESPN Dallas also reports that Bryant could be hit with the franchise tag if a long term deal is not reached and that would put him in at a salary around $13 million for the 2015 season.
The Cowboys have a tough cap situation due to Tony Romo's contract, but Archer writes that there are numerous areas where the team can stretch things. Archer speculated that the team could work with Romo to restructure his deal, which would free over $10 million in cap space, while Brandon Carr also could be in line for that. Carr could be released if he doesn't take a pay cut, while the team also will get some relief when both Henry Melton and Doug Free come off the books.
Lynch could be a prime target for the Cowboys if he doesn't retire this year, as reports have him and the Seahawks working on a contract, but an agreement is not yet close. Adam Schefter at ESPN.com reported that a trade could be possible, but it's far more likely that Lynch is released over getting traded. Lynch held out before last season and that could lead to the two sides parting ways after the tough Super Bowl loss for Seattle.
According to the Seattle Times, former teammate Michael Robinson spoke about Lynch and his status for 2015 and while he said he expects him to play, there is a chance he could look at retiring. Lynch has been one of the most consistent players in the league over the past four years and now he could look at hanging things up, playing for the Seahawks or moving to another team. Christ Mortensen at ESPN.com reported earlier in the season that the Seahawks were likely to release Lynch, but after the Super Bowl new reports came out that the two sides were working on a new contract. Murray and Bryant had career seasons and now the Cowboys will try and lock them both up.
