The Philadelphia Eagles will undergo some changes this offseason as they bring in a new coaching staff and try to regroup after a disappointing season. There were plenty of question marks during the year for the Eagles, but the biggest might have been DeMarco Murray who went from leading rusher to fourth-string option. With Chip Kelly no longer returning, Murray believes the fresh start is what the team needs to bounce back.
Murray fell victim to a crowded running group as Ryan Mathews became the favorite of Kelly while Darren Sproles fought for time on the field as well. Murray had been very vocal about his role with the team and in the rushing attack, but with a new coaching staff set to come in, the veteran believes everything will work out in 2016.
"It's a fresh start for everybody. I want to return," Murray said via Martin Frank of the Delaware News Journal.
There has been some questions as to whether the Eagles would retain Murray after his current season. The running back will be an $8 million cap hit next year while costing the team $13 million in dead money if released. According to Jeff McLane of Philly.com, the chances Murray comes back are very high with the new coaching regime, but it could hurt the future of Sproles. The running back is a $4.5 million cap hit next season in the final year of his contract. At 33, the Eagles will have a tough call to decide whether or not to release the versatile player.
"I still want to be playing and it bothers me we're not in the playoffs," Sproles said, via CBSPhilly.com. "I'll go back and train and spend time with my family. Things will depend on the new coach. I still fight the same battle. I'm small so there is this fear that I'm going to get hurt (if carrying the ball too much). I am satisfied with my touches. But I understand that it's always going to be the battle. It is what it is. I feel good. We'll see where the future lies."
Sproles might not be the only salary-cap casualty. McLane reports that Riley Cooper and Brent Celek could also be on their way out as both suffered quiet seasons that do not match their contract value. The Eagles are ready to move forward with Jordan Matthews, Nelson Agholor and Zach Ertz as their top receivers on the field. Cooper and Celek could be on the outside looking in with new coaches coming into place.
