The Dallas Cowboys are hoping to build on their first winning season since 2009, though it may be a bit more difficult than fans hope. Running back DeMarco Murray was finally able to put together a full season this past year and the extra playing time paid off in a big way. Murray led the league in rushing with more than 1,800 yards while approaching a combined 450 total touches as Dallas' workhorse.
But now Murray is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the most impressive season of his career, setting him up for a big payday the Cowboys may not be able to afford.
The Cowboys may be able to find somewhat similar production from a less expensive option, given that their offensive line boasts three first-round picks. Murray himself refuted this claim recently, however.
"I would like to see how it goes," Murray said on NFL Network. "I would like to see how that plan would work for them. I don't pay attention to it. You know, I have full confidence in myself and my ability to do what I'm capable of doing. I know my talents, I know how hard I play and, you know, I know what I bring to the table. So I'm not worried about it and, you know, I don't hear it."
Joseph Randle sits as the No. 2 back on the Dallas depth chart. Randle may not have the same ability as Murray, but he did impress in limited playing time in 2014.
"There are those at Valley Ranch who believe he can be a 1,400-yard rusher, but they also acknowledge there is more to the position than running the ball," ESPN Cowboys reporter Todd Archer wrote.
If Dallas does let Murray walk in free agency, the team would likely look to add another top-flight talent to the mix even with their belief in Randle.
"If Murray walks, then the Cowboys would figure to be player in the running back market," Archer wrote. "While everybody wants to connect the dots between the Cowboys and Adrian Peterson, who remains under contract with the Minnesota Vikings, the cost of business with a running back will be a factor. Peterson won't come at a discount and the Cowboys would have already passed on keeping Murray because they didn't want to fork over a lot of cap space to a running back. The draft would figure to be the more logical spot. Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon looks to be a good fit for what the Cowboys want to do in the running game and with the 27th pick in the draft, they might be in a good spot to get value. There will be other runners that will gain attention between now and May as well. Remember, Murray was a third-round pick."
