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Dallas Cowboys to let DeMarco Murray hit free agency market

By Dylan Hughes

Jan 11, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray (29) is tackled by Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Clay Matthews (52) in the first quarter in the 2014 NFC Divisional playoff football game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray (29) is tackled by Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Clay Matthews (52) in the first quarter in the 2014 NFC Divisional playoff football game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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DeMarco Murray is definitely one of the most important decisions to make for the Dallas Cowboys this offseason. Could they let him become a free agent?

DeMarco Murray had quite the season in 2014. He led the league in rushing with 1,845 yards (4.7 yards per carry), along with 13 touchdowns. Murray was a major part of Dallas’ offense that was ranked top 10 in the NFL.

Thanks to his incredible season, Murray was named a Pro Bowler for the second consecutive season and was a first-team All-Pro for the first time in his four-year career.

But still, the Dallas Cowboys will let him test the market.

The Cowboys have one franchise tag to use by March 2 (next Monday) and vice president Stephen Jones said they will use that on wide receiver Dez Bryant, who had 1,320 receiving yards this season and 16 touchdowns, which led the NFL.

While Jones doesn’t want Murray to leave, the talks have slowed down at this point and wants him to see what else is out there before returning to negotiations on a long-term deal.

"“[Murray] is probably going to, you know, get some peace and see what’s out in the market and then we’ll talk and see. I do believe deep down he’d love to stay in Dallas.”"

While Murray has shown to be a risk in the past with his injury problems (11 combined missed games in his first three seasons), he missed no games last season despite injuring his hand. Murray is worth the investment and can become one of the league’s top backs for years to come behind the Cowboys’ offensive line should he stay there.

While Murray is a better long-term investment, the Cowboys have been linked to Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, who isn’t very happy with his current situation in Minnesota. If Murray does choose to walk, Dallas could always attempt to trade for Peterson should an opportunity become available.

Jones isn’t too worried about the possibility of Murray leaving.

"“We’ve had some really good football players go into free agency: Jay Novacek and Darren Woodson and, you know, they still sign with the Cowboys. So, just because you’re a free agent doesn’t mean you’re not necessarily going to end up back in Dallas.”"

Murray helped Dallas to a 12-4 record and just their second playoff win since 1997.

Teams and players can begin negotiating contracts on March 7, but will not be allowed to ink any deals until March 10. With Murray being just one of many good available free agents this summer, we will see how badly a team wants to steal him away from the Cowboys.

H/T CBS Sports

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