The top free agent on the market still has yet to sign with a team. DeMarco Murray is visiting the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday and the possibility of him leaving the Dallas Cowboys has gotten very real over the past few hours.
Philadelphia emerged as a suitor for Murray once the new league year began on Tuesday and running back Frank Gore ditched the Eagles' three-year deal and signed with the Indianapolis Colts. Moments after the clock struck 4 p.m. on Tuesday, head coach Chip Kelly traded Nick Foles to the St. Louis Rams for Sam Bradford in a quarterback/draft pick swap.
Interestingly enough, Bradford and Murray are considered "good friends" and were roommates in college during their time spent together at Oklahoma. Bradford said he has been trying to recruit the running back and Chip Kelly even spoke to him on the phone this week.
According to ESPN Insider Adam Schefter, Murray is "flying to Philadelphia this morning with the expectation he will be an Eagle, per a league source."
He then added: "Aside from the contract, the Eagles are most appealing to Murray because of his belief in their chance to win. Murray would consider a final, last minute offer from the cowboys, per source, but he's going to Philadelphia with the intent to sign."
The reigning Offensive Player of the Year finished last season with 392 carries for 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns to go along with 57 receptions for 416 yards. It's unknown how much the Eagles are willing to offer Murray, especially since they traded running back LeSean McCoy to the Buffalo Bills to free up some cap space (he was owed $25 million over the next three seasons) and dished out $63 million to cornerback Byron Maxwell.
They also agreed to a three-year, $11.5 million deal with running back Ryan Mathews, but Schefter notes Mathews has yet to sign the contract. If they manage to add Murray then Mathews' situation could change quickly because running back Darren Sproles will collect $8.6 million over the next two seasons. It's doubtful they would pay three running backs that much money for at least two more years.
Murray could be an Eagle within the next few hours.
