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NFL rumors: Dallas Cowboys could turn to CJ Spiller if Murray leaves

By Josh Sanchez

Sep 28, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Buffalo Bills running back C.J. Spiller (28) warms up before the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Buffalo Bills running back C.J. Spiller (28) warms up before the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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If the Dallas Cowboys lose out on running back Demarco Murray, their Plan B will reportedly be free agent C.J. Spiller. 

The Dallas Cowboys decided to place the franchise tag on star wide receiver Dez Bryant. As a result, running back DeMarco Murray, who set a franchise rushing record, will hit the open market.

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While the Cowboys may anticipate a “soft market” for Murray, they need to have a backup plan in case he decides to leave during free agency.

They seem to have just that.

According to a report from Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, Plan B for the Dallas Cowboys would be former Buffalo Bills running back and former 2010 top-ten pick C.J. Spiller, who was closed the door on a potential return to Buffalo when the team traded linebacker Kiko Alonso for Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy.

Florio states:

"The challenge for any team that pursues Spiller becomes figuring out:  (1) why his career results have been mixed; and (2) what he can do in 2015 and beyond.  Spiller has a career rushing average of 5.0 yards, but that’s bookended by 3.8 as a rookie and 3.8 in his fifth and final season with Buffalo.  In Spiller’s second season, a more potent 5.2-yard output emerged.  In 2012, he matched Adrian Peterson’s 6.0 yards per carry on 141 fewer tries."

Behind an offensive line that is as talented as the Dallas Cowboys’, Spiller could be poised for a big season.

Of course, he may never get that opportunity if the Cowboys decide his price tag is too much.

A recent report indicated Spiller turned down a $4.5 million per year offer from the Bills, so it will be interesting to see how much he demands on the open market.

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