Fansided

Ranking the Top 10 NFL free agents in 2015

By Brad Rowland

Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (90) against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Lions defeated the Bears 20-14. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (90) against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Lions defeated the Bears 20-14. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray (29) carries the ball as Washington Redskins free safety Ryan Clark (25) and Redskins defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat (53) chase in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. The Cowboys won 44-17. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray (29) carries the ball as Washington Redskins free safety Ryan Clark (25) and Redskins defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat (53) chase in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. The Cowboys won 44-17. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

6) DeMarco Murray, RB Dallas Cowboys

Murray may be the most interesting test case in free agency. On one hand, he was the most productive rusher in the NFL by a wide margin this season, but on the other, the running back position has lost so much value on the whole that many teams will simply punt on spending any time of “real” money on their ball carriers.

The 26-year-old Murray played all 16 regular season games for the first time in his career, and the results were staggering in 2014. He led the NFL in rushing by nearly 500 (!!) yards with 1,845 on the season, and Murray’s 13 rushing touchdowns placed him in a tie with Marshawn Lynch for the league lead. For perspective, DeMarco Murray set the franchise record for the Dallas Cowboys this season, and that is an organization with a significant history and a certain Hall of Fame running back in Emmitt Smith.

At this point, the general consensus is that the Cowboys will employ either Murray or Adrian Peterson (if he is available) at the running back spot next season. However, if Dallas chooses to move on from their stud running back, he is likely a rare breed in that he will command a big contract in free agency despite the shrinkage of perception at the position. Just how big that contract will be is up for debate.

Next: Justin Houston

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