The biggest x-factor for the Dallas Cowboys in 2014 was DeMarco Murray. The running back led the NFL in rushing yards while helping push the Cowboys to the playoffs in one of their better seasons to date. Murray saw a lot of success in 2014 and intends to get rewarded for that hard work as he prepares to enter free agency. It is uncertain whether or not that reward will come from the Cowboys, but head coach Jason Garrett is well aware that Murray is not easily replaced in the backfield.
The Cowboys are sorting out their priorities when it comes to free agency as both Murray and Dez Bryant are in need of contract extensions. The Cowboys appear to have a deal with Bryant at the top of their list meaning Murray could end up being on the outside looking in. However, running backs like Murray are not simply hanging around on the open market and Dallas is aware that he would be hard to replace in 2015.
"I don't like that expression, 'plug another back in there,' " Garrett said, via NFL.com. "You'll find if you look at it, running backs are important to championship teams. The runner does matter."
The running back position has certainly been devalued in recent years. Many teams operate under the idea that running backs grow on trees and an aging player can easily be replaced with someone younger, even a rookie. With the excellent offensive line the Cowboys have in place, that idea might be true, but Murray is certainly a one-of-a-kind back that does not come around often. The team has recognized that retaining both Murray and Bryant will be extremely difficult no matter what.
Team vice president Stephen Jones told the media that the Cowboys were leaning towards a franchise tag for Bryant over a long-term contract extension much to the dismay of the wide receiver. That might allow the Cowboys to re-sign Murray as well, but the running back has already rejected one contract offer from the team and could easily shoot down another low-ball offer.
The Cowboys have been linked to trades involving both Adrian Peterson and LeSean McCoy, but if Dallas is going to aim for another high-priced running back, they might as well re-sign Murray instead. It is unclear exactly what the team plans on doing moving forward, but it will not be an easy decision regardless.The biggest x-factor for the Dallas Cowboys in 2014 was DeMarco Murray. The running back led the NFL in rushing yards while helping push the Cowboys to the playoffs in one of their better seasons to date. Murray saw a lot of success in 2014 and intends to get rewarded for that hard work as he prepares to enter free agency. It is uncertain whether or not that reward will come from the Cowboys, but head coach Jason Garrett is well aware that Murray is not easily replaced in the backfield.
The Cowboys are sorting out their priorities when it comes to free agency as both Murray and Dez Bryant are in need of contract extensions. The Cowboys appear to have a deal with Bryant at the top of their list meaning Murray could end up being on the outside looking in. However, running backs like Murray are not simply hanging around on the open market and Dallas is aware that he would be hard to replace in 2015.
"I don't like that expression, 'plug another back in there,' " Garrett said, via NFL.com. "You'll find if you look at it, running backs are important to championship teams. The runner does matter."
The running back position has certainly been devalued in recent years. Many teams operate under the idea that running backs grow on trees and an aging player can easily be replaced with someone younger, even a rookie. With the excellent offensive line the Cowboys have in place, that idea might be true, but Murray is certainly a one-of-a-kind back that does not come around often. The team has recognized that retaining both Murray and Bryant will be extremely difficult no matter what.
Team vice president Stephen Jones told the media that the Cowboys were leaning towards a franchise tag for Bryant over a long-term contract extension much to the dismay of the wide receiver. That might allow the Cowboys to re-sign Murray as well, but the running back has already rejected one contract offer from the team and could easily shoot down another low-ball offer.
The Cowboys have been linked to trades involving both Adrian Peterson and LeSean McCoy, but if Dallas is going to aim for another high-priced running back, they might as well re-sign Murray instead. It is unclear exactly what the team plans on doing moving forward, but it will not be an easy decision regardless.
