The Dallas Cowboys have an interesting running back situation on their hands and the team is limited in just how they can go about handling it. League-leading running back DeMarco Murray is a month from free agency while backup and potential starter Joseph Randle has been arrested for a second time in a year. While the Cowboys continue to work through what their priorities are in free agency, the running back situation might get the first glance.
Things took a turn for the worse for the Cowboys with Randle was arrested for a second time in a four-month stretch for unlawful possession of marijuana. According to Wichita Police via ESPN, officers arrived to Randle's hotel after receiving a call for domestic violence with a weapon. This comes after Randle was arrested for shoplifting Polo underwear and cologne from a mall. The running back was fined by the Cowboys for the incident, but that might not be the case this time around.
Randle's arrest means re-signing Murray is a priority. Keeping Randle around would certainly send the wrong message for Dallas despite the fact that he was the potential starter next season. Owner Jerry Jones had spoken highly of Randle's potential after he put up 343 yards on 51 carries for three touchdowns last season. Considering how much Murray had the ball, that was considered a real achievement.
Murray has laughed at the idea that the Cowboys can replace him with Randle. The running back was the team's x-factor this season and his numbers are very hard to duplicate by just anyone.
"I would like to see how it goes," Murray said via the NFL Network. "I would like to see how that plan would work for them. I don't pay attention to it. You know, I have full confidence in myself and my ability to do what I'm capable of doing. I know my talents, I know how hard I play and, you know, I know what I bring to the table. So I'm not worried about it and, you know, I don't hear it."
Murray has already rejected one contract from the Dallas Cowboys and could easily reject another if it is a low-ball offer. The running back has every intention of getting paid this offseason whether it is in Dallas or not. The Cowboys have a tight salary cap situation which rules out trades for Adrian Peterson or LeSean McCoy, but it could also rule out Murray if they do not get the numbers right.
