The Dallas Cowboys, as expected, used the franchise tag on wide receiver Dez Bryant yesterday. That means that unless team owner and general manager Jerry Jones can work out a long-term deal with running back DeMarco Murray before free agency opens on March 10, the NFL's reigning rushing king will be free to sign with another team. After a season in which Murray posted 1,845 rushing yards (4.7 yards-per-carry), 13 rushing touchdowns, 57 receptions and 416 receiving yards, the ball carrier will not lack for suitors in free agency.
So which teams will be vying for Murray's services?
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network said Monday that the Indianapolis Colts, Arizona Cardinals, Jacksonville Jaguars and Seattle Seahawks (assuming Marshawn Lynch retires) are all possible landing sports for Murray should he opt for a change of scenery. All of those teams make a certain amount of sense.
The Colts and Jaguars have gobs of salary cap space to play with this offseason. The Jags especially have to spend some money if they don't want to be penalized by the NFL. Both are in need of a running back after ranking in the bottom half of the league in rushing last season.
The Cardinals don't have a whole lot of cap room but the team could make it work if it were determined to do so. Andre Ellington is a quality pass-catching back but proved this season he is more suited to a complimentary role. For a team that believes all they need to make a Super Bowl run is better health, going all in with a Murray deal isn't out of the question.
Seattle is perhaps the most interesting candidate. If Lynch does decide to retire, that will free up $7 million in cap space on top of the $25 million or so the team already has. As perennial Super Bowl contenders, Murray would undoubtedly be interested in joining this young and talented team.
What will the Cowboys do if they can't compete with all of these teams fawning over Murray in free agency?
"The only current choices would be Joseph Randle or Ryan Williams," ESPN Cowboys reporter Todd Archer wrote. "Randle's off-field issues hardly guarantee him a roster spot. Williams spent the year on the practice squad. Randle had just 51 carries in 2014 but he had 343 yards and three touchdowns. If the Cowboys can't keep Murray, they must find another running back either in the draft or in free agency to replace the NFL's reigning rushing champ."
