According to Tony Romo, he has lost a great friend on his team after DeMarco Murray opted to sign with the Philadelphia Eagles over the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday. Romo is well aware of just how critical Murray for the team's success in 2014 and he leaves a huge hole on the field that needs to be filled. Who could the Cowboys be eyeing with a contract?
ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting that the Cowboys began making calls to running backs about mid-day on Thursday, aware they had lost Murray to the Eagles. Dallas had offered the running back a four-year, $24 million contract that included $12 million in guaranteed money. The Eagles topped that with $21 million in guaranteed money. So Dallas is now left with salary cap space and try and eye some big names to replace the running back.
The obvious question is whether or not Adrian Peterson is an option for Dallas. Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com does not believe Peterson is a an option, but also says it is certainly not impossible for a deal to get done. Right now, Peterson is continuing talks with the Minnesota Vikings and could opt to stay put. The Vikings hold the power, but for the right price they would likely deal away that $12.75 million owed in 2015. The Cowboys did not want to pay Murray that type of money, but would they give it to Peterson?
CJ Spiller should become a priority for Dallas. According to ProFootballTalk.com, Spiller is currently in New Orleans enjoying his visit with the Saints. The team just re-sign Mark Ingram to a multi-year deal which makes the interest in Spiller odd. They would likely rotate in the backfield where Dallas could give Spiller the chance to be an every-down back. The team has Joseph Randle returning, but Spiller is the obvious upgrade. If Dallas wants Spiller, they better move in fast.
Trent Richardson could also be an option. Since getting drafted in the first round, the running back has not had the NFL career everyone thought he would. 2014 was a near disaster with the Indianapolis Colts and the team announced Thursday he would be released. Richardson made it clear that he was expecting this. The team suspended him for two games after he missed a walk through due to his wife being in the hospital. He and the team never appeared to be on the same page in his two years there.
The Cowboys could offer Richardson a good opportunity to get back on track. Owner Jerry Jones is convinced any running back can succeed with their offensive line. Richardson showed what he can do behind a quality offensive line and might become the running back everyone expected him to be. The Cowboys could easily get away with giving him a one-year deal as a prove-it type of contract. He would be low risk with the potential of high reward.
