The race to land DeMarco Murray is on. The running back has yet to visit any teams in free agency, but has the interest of several as the best running back available. The Dallas Cowboys hurt their chances with Murray after failing to speak with him for a week. Head coach Jason Garrett met with the running back on Tuesday night, but it is unclear what was discussed. Now, the Oakland Raiders are moving in as the only team that can truly afford his high-priced contract demands.
According to ESPN's Ed Werder, the Oakland Raiders are very interested in a deal for Murray as their leading running back and they could land him. Competition for Murray is calming down. The Indianapolis Colts signed Frank Gore. The Philadelphia Eagles look more interested in Ryan Mathews. The Buffalo Bills traded for LeSean McCoy. That leaves potentially the Jacksonville Jaguars and a return to Dallas as the best options for Murray.
The Raiders lost Maurice Jones-Drew to retirement while opting not to re-sign Darren McFadden. That leaves the team with Latavius Murray, a solid young back, but potentially not an every-down player. According to ESPN's Adam Caplan, the Raiders have also agreed to a contract with Roy Helu. The former Washington Redskins running back was buried underneath Alfred Morris, but managed to stand out when given the chance.
Werder writes that the signing of Helu has not lowered the interest level on Murray. Obviously tandem of Helu and Latavius Murray might be success, but getting in DeMarco Murray would be a game-changing signing. Head coach Jack Del Rio made it clear that he is looking to build around Derek Carr in 2015 and Murray certainly achieves that goal.
The other move the Raiders must make is at the wide receiver position. Oakland continues to make upgrades on defense bringing in linebacker Curtis Lofton, but getting in a few receivers will be key for the Raiders and options are dwindling. Michael Crabtree looks set for the Buffalo Bills. Andre Johnson is aiming for the Colts. The Raiders could try and pry Percy Harvin into a deal. Hakeem Nicks would be an option along with Cecil Shorts. Oakland would also be very wise to draft someone like Amari Cooper or DeVante Parker in the draft.
