We’ve all heard about how running backs don’t matter very much in today’s NFL, a point driven home by the following fact: DeMarco Murray, the reigning NFL rushing leader and AP offensive player of the year, still has yet to find a team even though the official NFL free agency period is more than 12 hours old (a lifetime, considering the sped-up calendar).
So now that most of the other big-name free agents have found a home, all eyes are on Murray. Here’s a look at his possible destinations.
Cowboys
Even though Murray has deleted all references to the team with which he’s played his first four seasons, Murray could still end up back in Dallas. On Tuesday night, Murray reportedly met with Cowboys Coach Jason Garrett at the Mavericks-Cavaliers game and then continued the sit-down someplace else.
According to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, the Cowboys are “waiting if anyone shows real interest before they decide to pop in and make a final push.”
Eagles
Rapoport says he’s been told that Philadelphia’s trade for Rams quarterback Sam Bradford piqued Murray’s interest, considering the two played together for three college seasons at Oklahoma and that the Sooners employed an up-tempo offense similar to the one used by Eagles Coach Chip Kelly. Murray has said that he wants to play for a contender, and Philly seems closer to the top than the teams listed below. Might he may be using the Eagles to force the Cowboys’ hand, however? Per David Moore of the Dallas Morning News, Dallas will only raise its offer “if Murray generates some leverage by entering into concrete negotiations with another team.”
Raiders
The Raiders, who entered free agency with the most salary cap room in the league, came to terms with former Redskins running back Roy Helu Jr. on Tuesday, but he’s seen as more of a change-of-pace back. They also have youngster Latavius Murray — who averaged 5.2 yards per carry, showing promise in limited work last season — already in their backfield. “But new Oakland coach Jack Del Rio said Latavius Murray needs to work on his football IQ. So, pairing the veteran Murray with Latavius could make a lot of sense, and it could take pressure off of young quarterback Derek Carr, especially since Oakland has been unable to give him a top receiving weapon yet,” reports ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson.
Jaguars
Jacksonville’s fans certainly are making a big push for Murray on Twitter.
The NFL Network’s Albert Breer said Wednesday morning that the Jags are willing to spend.
After spending the first 17 years of his Post career writing and editing, Matt and the printed paper had an amicable divorce in 2014. He's now blogging and editing for the Early Lead and the Post's other Web-based products.
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