Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said today that despite an expected increase in the salary cap, it will still be a "challenge" to re-sign both wide receiver Dez Bryant and running back DeMarco Murray. Both players are set to become unrestricted free agents in March.
One potential strategy is to use the franchise tag on one while working out a long-term deal with the other. The franchise tag for receivers cost $12.3 million this season while the running back tag cost $9.54 million.
Both players are coming off spectacular seasons, doing Jones no favors when it comes to their asking price. Bryant caught 88 passes for 1,320 yards and 16 touchdowns. Murray led the NFL with 1,845 yards while scoring 13 touchdowns and catching 57 passes. The running back reportedly turned down a four-year offer worth $16 million from the Cowboys.
Jones' focus should be on hammering out an extension with Bryant. Replacing a premiere wide receiver is no easy task. The running back position, however, has become more interchangeable in recent seasons. This is especially true when you factor in Dallas' offensive line that features three first-round picks. While Murray had a special season, the Cowboys could still find solid production elsewhere.
Spending big money on running backs just doesn't make much sense in today's NFL. The San Diego Chargers got solid contributions from undrafted free agent Branden Oliver this season. Justin Forsett was fifth in the league in rushing for the Baltimore Ravens and is playing on a veteran's minimum contract.
Jones should figure out how he can keep Bryant in Dallas before moving on to Murray's contract situation.
