The Dallas Cowboys will have some very difficult choices to make once free agency rolls around next month. Both Dez Bryant and DeMarco Murray are set to hit the open market. While Murray has been seen as the likelier of the two to be playing elsewhere in 2015, it is the running back's hope that he will end up back in Big D.
"Obviously I think they want me here," Murray said Tuesday. "I want to be here. It's just finding the...just what helps them, what helps me. Things like that. I think both sides want to be here, so I think we'll see where it goes."
Unfortunately, what helps Murray may not help the Cowboys.
Murray is coming off the best season of his career in which he led the NFL in rushing with 1,845 yards. He added 13 rushing touchdowns and 57 receptions for 416 yards in what was an All-Pro and NFL Offensive Player of the Year-type season. Dallas should be worried about losing Murray as he has said that he will not re-sign before the start of free agency.
"I'm very patient so...if that's the process I have to go through, then that's the process I have to go through," Murray said.
While Murray is likely seeking a top-dollar deal, teams have been reluctant to sign running backs to big money contracts in recent seasons. The physical punishment demanded by the position coupled with more teams going to a running back by committee and finding less expensive options have made the feature back a dying breed.
"At the end of the day, it's all about respect, and I think different people show their appreciation in different ways," Murray said. "I don't need a pat on the back. I don't need someone telling me how good I am on a consistent basis and whatnot like that. I understand my value, so to speak, and I understand what I bring to the table."
Murray hopes to be with the team this season, but will harbor no ill will if that is not the case.
"Those are my guys," Murray said. "Like I said, I made it clear to everyone if I'm not here next year, Romo will be my guy, [Jason Witten] will be my guy, [Dez Bryant] will be my guy. Jason will always be a great [friend]. The Joneses will always be great friends. Just great people in my life. There's no hard feelings."
