Top NFL Free Agents Playing Their Way To A Pay Day

Nov 28, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant (88) celebrates with running back DeMarco Murray (29) after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the Oakland Raiders during a NFL football game on Thanksgiving at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant (88) celebrates with running back DeMarco Murray (29) after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the Oakland Raiders during a NFL football game on Thanksgiving at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 23, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray (29) rushes against the New York Giants during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Cowboys defeated the Giants 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray (29) rushes against the New York Giants during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Cowboys defeated the Giants 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

1. DeMarco Murray

2014 Cap Hit: $1,596,625

I think this one is pretty obvious.

Murray is, by far, the best running back in the NFL this season, and there was a chance back in Week 8 that he was going to rush for 2,000 yards for just the eighth time in NFL history.

Murray’s pace has slowed in recent weeks, but there’s no denying the fact that Murray is the best running back in football and should be paid accordingly, especially with Adrian Peterson’s future in jeopardy.

That’s a nice segue into what I really wanted to talk about: what happens with Murray if the Cowboys get Peterson.

It’s no secret that Peterson wants to play for the Cowboys, and the Cowboys obviously want Peterson to play for them. If the Vikings release Peterson, which may or may not happen, it will be very interesting to see how the Cowboys play it.

The NFL isn’t like the MLB; Jerry Jones doesn’t have infinite money to spend on free agents, like I just mentioned. The Cowboys could not pay top dollar for two of the league’s best running backs.

Maybe the Cowboys would want to just lock up Murray longterm and move forward, but do the Cowboys do anything they SHOULD do? No, they do what Jones WANTS to do. If he wants Peterson, the Cowboys will get Peterson, which also makes Murray available on the open market.

Wouldn’t that be fun?

Next: 5 Week 12 Games With Huge Playoff Implications

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