The Indianapolis Colts’ running game could use some help, but the team doesn’t plan to on pursuing free-agent running back DeMarco Murray.
The Indianapolis Colts had one of the worst running back situations in the league last season, as they rushed for just 1,612 yards in their 16 regular season games. Given that, an upgrade at the running back position would seem to be a necessity for the Colts this offseason.
However, don’t expect Indy to pursue DeMarco Murray, the top running back on the free-agent market.
From ESPN’s Mike Wells:
"If running back DeMarco Murray decides to sign with another team outside of the Dallas Cowboys, it won’t be with the Indianapolis Colts.At this point, the Colts are not interested in signing Murray, last season’s leading rusher in the NFL, according to a source."
It’s understandable why the Colts would want to avoid Murray, even understanding his great talent.
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The Colts are always going to be a pass-first team with Andrew Luck in the fold, so allocating a significant portion of team funds to the running back position is a risky move. Also, running back is the most replaceable position in the league and it’s likely the Colts will find a decent back through the draft or free-agency sooner rather than later at a cheaper cost than Murray would be.
Furthermore, Murray has a pretty extensive injury history and has only proven to be an elite running back for one season of his career.
Wells mentions Justin Forsett, Shane Vereen and Frank Gore as possible free-agent backs for the Colts.
As for Murray, his free-agency appears to be wide open. However, the most likely scenario figures to still be a return to the Cowboys.
Murray rushed for 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns on 385 carries this past season. The Cowboys drafted him with the No. 71 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft out of Oklahoma.
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