It makes sense that Murray wants his money. The running back position is highly devalued and players are struggling to get decent contracts. Being the best at the position coming out of last season, Murray wants to get paid. However, teams simply are not biting at what he is asking for making things tough in free agency.
According to ESPN's Chris Mortensen, Murray has reached out to Chip Kelly and the Philadelphia Eagles about a potential contract. The Eagles are fresh off a trade to acquire Sam Bradford for the quarterback position. He and Murray were actually college roommates at Oklahoma so the pairing makes sense. The Eagles traded LeSean McCoy prior to free agency beginning leaving a hole at the position.
The issue is the Eagles just agreed to a multi-year contract with Ryan Mathews on Wednesday according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. That would mean the Eagles are not going to spend a lot more money at the position given they also have Darren Sproles at the spot and still need a wide receiver. Murray's contract demands might simply be too much to handle. Bradford confirmed he is trying to recruit Murray to the Eagles.
"Absolutely. I've been trying my hardest," Bradford said, via ESPN.com. "I've called him. I've texted him. I've done everything. We've been in communication. If we can somehow land him, it would be a great pickup. Not only is he a great player, he's a great person. He's a really close friend of mine, too. I think he can really help this ball club."
There are still a few teams in play for Murray. The Oakland Raiders are still pushing a deal despite signing Roy Helu to a contract. They can certainly afford to bring on Murray at his current demands. The Arizona Cardinals have yet to add a running back, but they will not jump on what Murray is asking for. A return to the Dallas Cowboys is still in the picture. However, that will not happen if Murray feels he can get a better offer elsewhere.
