The Philadelphia Eagles are reportedly willing to trade DeMarco Murray, who has been upset over his recent playing time with the team
There was so much promise when DeMarco Murray agreed to a five-year, $42 million contract with the Eagles during the 2014-2015 NFL offseason. The 28-year old running back was supposed to have a flourishing run there after a dominant four seasons with the Cowboys. Now it appears that everything is trending downward for the RB and the Eagles, even with the dismissal of coach Chip Kelly.
After running over 1,000 yards his last two seasons, Murray only ran for 702 yards this season while starting in only eight regular-season games. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Murray is still unhappy with the Eagles after not getting enough playing time under Kelly’s leadership. He is looking to get out of the City of Brotherly Love as soon as possible.
The message teams are receiving this week: DeMarco Murray still not happy in Philly. Trading him will be difficult, but #Eagles will listen.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 26, 2016
The reason why a deal would be difficult is because of Murray’s contract. According to Pro Football Talk, Murray’s contract calls for him to make a $7 million base salary this season. Not many teams would want to take on that responsibility, even for a player as talented as him. Trading Murray would also give the Eagles a $13 million cap hit this season, something not ideal for a team that is looking to improve after a 7-9 season.
DeMarco Murray's affinity for DAL is evident. So is his $13M cap hit for #Eagles. Plenty to work out. Teams know his situation is unsettled
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 26, 2016
Murray could return to Dallas, but it is very questionable. If nothing was to work out, then new Eagles coach Doug Peterson would try and sort things out as best as he could. According to CSNPhilly.com, the protege of former Eagles coach Andy Reid spoke about the running back situation for the Eagles, even dismissing Chip Kelly’s method.
"“First thing I noticed, there’s three different running backs on the roster, and you can’t take three different running backs and try to make them one running back.”"
What the new plan would be is still unknown. The Eagles and Murray are at an interesting crossroads here. Hopefully a resolution will be revealed soon. Otherwise, there will definitely be some problems coming from both sides.