Both the Dallas Cowboys and running back DeMarco Murray hoped to work out a long term deal in free agency this offseason. But when the two sides couldn't come to terms on an agreement, Murray signed a five-year deal worth up to $42 million with the Philadelphia Eagles. Could the Cowboys have done more to keep the NFL's rushing champ or was it wise of them to draw a line in the sand?
Quarterback Tony Romo revealed in an interview on 105.3 The Fan that Murray approached him about taking less money so that the Cowboys could re-sign the 27-year-old rusher.
"DeMarco ended up asking me, 'Why don't you take a pay cut?' I said, 'I will. I would take a pay cut to go do this,'" Romo said. "I was like, 'They're going to restructure me.' That's the same thing in some ways, just for the salary cap purposes. He was like, 'OK, now we're back to being friends, again.' I would take $5 million less if it meant getting him back.
"He knew that. It was just funny how he was literally worried about that part of it for a week. I'm like, 'That's not the reason.' I'm like, 'Obviously I'll restructure. I would even take a pay cut.' He was like, 'OK, we can be friends again.' It's amazing what you think about in those moments."
The running back position has generally been devalued in recent seasons, making owner/general manager Jerry Jones reluctant to commit big time money to Murray. That, coupled with Murray's injury history, caused Dallas to bow out of the running once the Eagles upped their offer. Overall, Jones has been praised for his disciplined approach. However, it will be difficult to replace Murray in this offense. The former Sooner had a career year with 1,845 yards, 13 rushing touchdowns, 57 receptions and 416 receiving yards.
Georgia's Todd Gurley and Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon have been mentioned as possible replacements in the upcoming NFL Draft.
