Fansided

NFL: Ranking the top 5 free agent running backs

Aug 16, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray (29) on the sidelines during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 16, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray (29) on the sidelines during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
6 of 6
Nov 28, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray (29) runs the ball against the Oakland Raiders in the fourth quarter during a NFL football game on Thanksgiving at AT&T Stadium. Dallas beat Oakland 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray (29) runs the ball against the Oakland Raiders in the fourth quarter during a NFL football game on Thanksgiving at AT&T Stadium. Dallas beat Oakland 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

1. DeMarco Murray

DeMarco Murray and the Dallas Cowboys are fresh off of one of the best seasons that they have had in quite some time. They were able to win the NFC East division, but unfortunately came up just short in the divisional round of the playoffs against the Green Bay Packers.

He put together an amazing season and finished the year with 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns on 392 carries.

It isn’t going to be easy for Jerry Jones and the Cowboys to figure out how to bring him back, and it is very possible that he could walk in free agency. There are plenty of teams that will be willing to give him the type of huge deal that he wants. Dallas is likely going to do everything they can to compete with those offers, but they also have to figure out how to bring Dez Bryant back on a long-term deal.

There aren’t many running backs that can make the type of difference that Murray can, but there are always health concerns surrounding him. He was healthy for the majority of the 2014 regular season, but his track record hasn’t looked great as far as injuries are concerned. Despite those concerns, teams are going to be willing to pay a lot of money to bring Murray on board this coming offseason.

Next: Who are the greatest running backs of all-time?