The chances DeMarco Murray heads off into free agency are very high. The running back is ready to get paid the contract to Tony Romo and the pending deal for Dez Bryant like prevent a return to the Dallas Cowboys. The running back was likely the team's biggest x-factor in 2014 leading both the league and the franchise in rushing yards. He was essential to helping Romo put together one of his best seasons to date and yet the Cowboys might have to let him walk away. If Murray goes, who comes in as his replacement?
According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, Murray has already rejected one offer from the Cowboys. Dallas will prioritize a deal for Bryant before coming back to the running back which could mean Murray is already inked to another team. Romo's contract is playing a role in the offers, but the Dallas Morning News writes that restructuring his deal once again is simply not wise. Romo is on the back-half of his career with two back surgeries under his belt. Putting all of his guaranteed money at the end of his contract is not the best way to handle this year's free agency.
So Murray will hit the market and test his worth to other teams, meaning Dallas must start formulizing a Plan B. Many NFL sources have speculated that Adrian Peterson is Plan B for Dallas after the running back made it clear that he would love to play for the Cowboys, a team he has long been a fan of. Jerry Jones being Jerry Jones would never turn down that offer.
However, if the Cowboys cannot afford to re-sign Murray, they cannot afford to bring on Peterson. The current Minnesota Vikings running back is a heavy salary cap hit for the remainder of his contract. The only chance Dallas has of landing him is if the Vikings release Peterson following the end of his suspension. That could happen considering Minnesota needs the cap space as well, but it is all unknown at the moment.
There will be cheaper, but quality options for Dallas to look at. If a trade is what they want, acquiring LeSean McCoy could be an option since his return to the Philadelphia Eagles is up in the air. However, signing a back off the free agent market will be the most cost-effective method. Players like Mark Ingram, CJ Spiller and Frank Gore will all be available for cheaper contracts. Knowshon Moreno could also be an option, although he is coming off an injury season. No one will be as good as Murray could be returning to Dallas, but that might not be an option for Dallas.
