DeMarco Murray is flying with the Philadelphia Eagles now, leaving a big hole in the backfield of the Dallas Cowboys. Re-signing Murray was always a long shot, but now owner/general manager Jerry Jones has to address this big need. Could former New England Patriots running back Stevan Ridley be a good option?
"On a 1-year, prove-it type deal, RB Stevan Ridley and the Cowboys could be a very good match. Talented back, can handle workhorse role," ESPN NFL Insider Field Yates tweeted.
It wasn't too long ago that Ridley rushed for 1,263 yards and 12 touchdowns as the feature back in New England. Running behind a Dallas offensive line that features three first-round picks would surely help him approach that level of production again. But is a Ridley-to-Dallas move realistic?
"Seeing some buzz about Stevan Ridley and #Cowboys this morning. I'm told there's definitely interest on both sides but nothing cooking yet," Ben Volin of The Boston Globe tweeted.
The Cowboys don't have a whole lot of salary cap space to work with, but nothing is impossible in the NFL. Even if the team does end up signing Ridley, Jones could still be compelled to address the running back position through the NFL draft. Both Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon and Georgia's Todd Gurley have been mentioned as possibilities for the Cowboys.
Then, there's always the remote possibility that Jones trades for Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson. Peterson is reportedly still intent on forcing his way out of Minnesota and Jones has long been a fan of the former Sooners star. Is it a pipe dream or a sincere option? We'll just have to wait to find out.
