Now that the Dallas Cowboys have been eliminated from the postseason, it's time they turn their attention to the offseason. The team already took care of one of its biggest offseason questions by locking up head coach Jason Garrett to a five-year deal. The next issue they need to address is the pending free agency of running back DeMarco Murray.
Murray rushed for an NFL-best 1,845 yards this season. He ran at a 4.7 yards per carry clip, scored 13 times on the ground and also hauled in 57 catches. It was easily one of the most impressive seasons by a running back in recent memory. But Murray also broke a bone in his hand, and even though he didn't miss any game time, his injury history is worrisome. The 2011 third-round pick missed 11 games through his first three seasons, after all.
Should the Cowboys pony up big bucks for a running back with a history of ailments and who is coming off a 449-touch season? The team also needs to re-sign star wide receiver Dez Bryant. Allowing Murray to walk in free agency might be the most responsible option.
Here are four potential landing spots if Murray hits the open market:
1. New England Patriots
The Pats don't typically spend big at the running back position. LeGarrette Blount is scheduled to be the team's highest paid back next season with a salary of just $750 thousand. Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley are free agents and might not be back with the team. With Tom Brady turning 38 in the offseason, it may be time to rework the running game.
"It could be the point in Brady's career - though he is still playing at a very high level - to take some burden off his shoulders," ESPN's Matt Williamson wrote. "A running game led by Murray would have the potential to do exactly that, especially if the Patriots can add some interior offensive line help. Bill Belichick and Brady might not have a lot of years left together - why not go all-in with an aggressive move such as this?"
2. Oakland Raiders
The Raiders are scheduled to have more salary cap space than any team in football this offseason. Plus, it would be completely in line with the Oakland organization to go out and give Murray a mega deal. Jack Del Rio is expected to be announced as the team's new head coach soon, and it is unknown how he feels about incumbent starter Latavius Murray.
"The holdover Murray has had some impressive moments in very limited action but has touched the ball in the NFL fewer than 100 times, when factoring in his rushes and receptions," Williamson wrote. "...Having a running back a young quarterback can count on would be very advantageous to Derek Carr's growth."
3. Indianapolis Colts
By now, everyone is well aware of the Colts' struggles at the running back position. Trent Richardson has been a colossal bust since Indianapolis traded a first-round pick for him. Although Indy is preparing for an AFC Championship matchup against the Patriots this weekend, improvements can still be made to this roster. I'm sure Andrew Luck doesn't want to throw the ball 40-plus times a game for the rest of his career.
"A consistent running game would be the ingredient to complete Indianapolis' already impressive offense led by Andrew Luck," Williamson wrote. "Now, Luck's contract will need to be addressed before long - which will break the bank, no doubt - but the Colts still have quite a bit of cap space to go shopping this offseason. Maybe this aggressive front office adds Murray to the mix to complete the puzzle and admits its mistake with Richardson."
4. Atlanta Falcons
Steven Jackson will be 32 years old next season and is coming off back-to-back disappointing years where he averaged less than 4.0 yards per carry. His time in the NFL may be up. Jacquizz Rodgers is set to become a free agent. I don't know much, but I do know that counting on fourth-rounder Devonta Freeman to emerge as a lead back all of a sudden is a poor strategy. Murray could be the first splash for the new coaching staff.
"The Falcons have some free-agent money to spend, and while they have more pressing needs on defense, especially with their putrid pass-rush, Atlanta might make some sense as a Murray landing spot, as the Falcons attempt to get to the top of the winnable NFC South," Williamson wrote.
