4 Reasons the Cowboys Should Sign DeMarco Murray

[plasticman]

Dak is our quarterback and I'm hoping he will be our franchise quarterback. I have to be a realist here though, since there are cases where teams figure out a quarterback. Like mentioned before, the concerns with Dak are in his deep game, and I'm going to be watching to see how his progress in training camp is in that area, and then preseason, and then regular season. How good the Cowboys do this seasons, to me, depends on if Dak can fix his deep game this offseason.

DeMarco murray isn't the same player that left us for the Eagles. So again the realist in me speaking, why would you get him over say Alfred Morris who we had and let go? I could be wrong, but running back wasn't a concern for me going into the season, compared to other spots.

Because DeMarco is a legitimate receiving RB.

Morris has a total of 57 receptions in a six year career.

Murray had 57 receptions the same year he broke the Cowboys single season rushing record.He'shad over 50 receptions three times in his 7 year career.

Since 2000 there has been 45 times a RB ran for over a 1000 yards in the 8th year of his career or later.That'san average of more than 2 a season. They don't turn into statues at the stroke of midnight on their 30th birthday.

 

[charron]

No reason to compare Zeke and Murray. Zeke is the starter. Murray would have to battle Smith, Bo, and tavon. Murray would give us really good depth in case of injury but otherwise he wouldn't help much. Smith and austin both bring ST value. Murray would be an expensive luxury that wouldn't make the game day roster unless an injury to Zeke.

 

[Tangle_Foot]

4 reasons NOT to sign DeMarco Murray
1- His fumble cost us the Green Bay game.
2 - Accepted beak coin from the eagles.
3 - Progress stopper at 30 years of age
4 - Only makes sense if Elliott suffers injury... and I cross my fingers with that statement.

 

[T-RO]

I think it is hilarious that people have made Bo Scarborough some battering ram that will light it up in the pros. Or that Darius Jackson is more talented than Murray. The only reason not to consider Murray is the cost and whether he would accept a role where he would touch the ball most likely about 5 times a game. I think as someone else said he is likely to sit back and wait for the first RB injury to hit and then sign with someone.

Honestly I find more humor that people are still thinking Murray is a player with a significant future in the league. He’s averaged less than 4 yards a carry over the past 3 years. His odometer has turned over.

Based on analytics he was one of the worst RBs in the league last yr. In my other thread I document—good back after back after back....is mediocre or full suck-mode after 6 years.

He served the Cowboys very well as a young player. I’ll remember the good times.

 

[jobberone]

Too old. That train has departed. We have enough RBs that can run, block and receive. EE and Smith are all around good+ players. We have two 3rd down RBs and a power runner. Definite strength on team at RB.

 

[JBond]

Didn't read the OP or any comments. Nope.

Sigh... dead news time.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Drafting Zeke was an admission that the Cowboys had blundered and knew it.

Murray wanted franchise RB money. He wasn't worth it. Overpaying him would have been a huge mistake and Jones knew it. Allowing Murray to walk and replacing him with a draft pick that is a better (and cheaper) RB is by far the much smarter move.

 

[AbeBeta]

I was trying to let you take your L with dignity, becaus I like you. But when I say “if I recall correctly,” just assume I’m gonna recall correctly, because I’m good like that.

https://www.___GET_REAL_URL___/s/ww...rray-passes-up-raiders-signs-with-eagles/amp/

Without an ounce of info on contact structure, guarantees, etc. You are relying on nothing info. Raiders deal could have been 50 mill with half the guarantees.

 

[America's Cowboy]

Watch out! Here comes Demarco Murray...

 

[GimmeTheBall!]

Zeke is a three down player and should never come off the field.

That is ridiculous, but, sadly, you don't know it. Great way to shorten his career.

 

[waving monkey]

otherwise plasticman it is a very popular post.

 

[AKATheRake]

With respect to Sean Lee of course. I think this head office and coaching staff is done with the old regime.

 

[TwentyOne]

I'm not clinging to past glory, I realize DeMarco isn't the same guy he was in 2014. He doesn't have to be in order to impact the team in a very positive way.

I believe that DeMarco would maximize everything he has left if he were to become a Cowboy again.Most fans believed he was done after the Eagles season but he returned to Pro Bowl stature the following season with 1664 total yards.In fact, DeMarco is Ranked 8th in yards from scrimmage and 9th in scoring over the past two seasons combined.I don't see the drop off despite the fact that he played hurt last season.

Here is 4 ways that DeMarco could make a difference:

1. Cowboy Offensive Line - He Knows These Guys

Know them? Why, he practically raised them! In 2012, DeMarco ran behind an offensive line in which all five starters had never played their particular position in the NFL. Free and Smith had been rotated at the tackle position,Nate Livings, Ryan Cook and Mackenzy Bernadeau started the interior of the line. Murray got beat up that year but the following year they added Fredericks and he received his first Pro Bowl selection. In 2014 they picked up Zack Martin and they both,along with Fredericks and Tyron Smith, received 1st Team All Pro honors during Murray's record breaking season.

Even though he may have struggled elsewhere at time, he should feel far more comfortable with an offensive line that grew up during his years as a Cowboy. Does anyone really see another current Cowboy back capable of replacing Zeke in a short term situation?

2. This Is a Running Team, Remember?

A truly dominant running team always has more than one quality RB, they typically have a second guy capable of starting on a lot of teams and is more than just a change of pace guy that spells the starter for a few downs.When Zeke goes out the already fatigued defense must now face a second assault by a well rested veteran ex-Pro Bowler.Again, Murray doesn't have to have the same skill set but the added experience and familiarity with his team could create additional opportunities for the Cowboys to dominate on the ground

3. DeMarco is an Excellent Receiver

Let's face it. Most of us predict a drop off in the contributions from TE in the passing game. Are those extra receptions coming from a seemingly unimpressive WR corp.? Doubtful. I believe that one of the ongoing strategies of the Cowboys is to develop the receiving skill of Elliot in order to increase his contribution in the passing game.Zeke is a great receiver and so is DeMarco. The Cowboys wouldn't be sacrificing that skill set with Zeke off the field and it is rather imperative that they don't considering Dak's other alternatives.The RB's will be his emergency option in the same way Emmitt Smith and Daryl Johnston was for Aikman.I wouldn't be surprised to see a few special plays with them both in the lineup.

4.The Right Kind of Guy-Good Locker Room Presence

It would be a shock to hear DeMarco's name in an off field incidence.That is far different than the guy the Cowboys went with instead of resigning him.He also adds maturity and this could be a positive influence on the younger players,in particular,his running mate,Ezekiel Elliot.

I have a fifth reason:

He is all about the money and we have enough cap space right now.

 

[Sydla]

Yeah, you got me.

I don't care if the Cowboys go 0-16 just so long as I get to see DeMarco in a Cowboy uniform again.It's far more important that I be hailed as an internet NFL guru. I really don't mind the bleak, dark existence of 4th place in the division.

By the way,what were those reasons for not signing him to a sensible contract again? I mean the logical ones, the ones for which I have yet to list the numerous counter examples.

Every season some 6th round back comes in with "potential" to "contribute". And yet, every single time,if the Cowboys have found a great RB, he has revealed himself almost immediately. After three games, the Cowboys either have something special or the two yard special teamer du' jour.

First of all, what sensible contract was he going to sign here? He got $21MM guaranteed from the Eagles.

And the reasons for not signing him were pretty well documented - studies showed at his age and at his usage, he was likely to regress. And guess what? He did. In the last three years, he has had one good season. He was average to below average in 2015 and 2017.

Cowboys were smart for not resigning him

 

[Sydla]

Murray wanted franchise RB money. He wasn't worth it. Overpaying him would have been a huge mistake and Jones knew it. Allowing Murray to walk and replacing him with a draft pick that is a better (and cheaper) RB is by far the much smarter move.

Not that much cheaper. Elliott carries $25MM in guaranteed cash, Murray was at $21MM in guaranteed cash from Philly. Plus, Elliott also cost the 4th pick in the draft.

That's not to suggest we should have kept Murray. Just pointing out Elliott isn't as cheap relative to Murray as people think.

 

[cowboyec]

no.
back-field is loaded with Zeke...Rod Smith and Bo.
let Bo handle pre-season snaps.
Zeke's got the regular season.
Rod and Bo are insurance for Zeke.
we're good.

 

[Idgit]

Without an ounce of info on contact structure, guarantees, etc. You are relying on nothing info. Raiders deal could have been 50 mill with half the guarantees.

Yeah, the only evidence I have that Murray believed he took less to play for a rival is a direct quote from him saying he took less money to play for a rival. That seems pretty skimpy now that you bring up the thing about contract structure. What if he’s mistaken? What if he’s just lying?

Intent is all that matters here.

 

[Sandyf]

Unless Elliott and Smith go down for a length of time, I see no reason to sign Murray at all.

 

[JustChip]

The only reasons you would sign DM is 1) he's demonstratively better than what you have as the 2-4 backs, or 2) purely as insurance against a Zeke injury. I don't know that you can absolutely say #1 and, regarding #2, it's a waste of a precious roster spot purely for a what-if scenario. DM isn't the future so I'd rather see what we have on the roster now first. If you get to towards the end of training camp and it's obvious Smith, Jackson, Bo and Tavon aren't the answer (or injured), then you can take a look at DM, assuming he's still available.

 

[Fla Cowpoke]

Honestly I find more humor that people are still thinking Murray is a player with a significant future in the league. He’s averaged less than 4 yards a carry over the past 3 years. His odometer has turned over.

Based on analytics he was one of the worst RBs in the league last yr. In my other thread I document—good back after back after back....is mediocre or full suck-mode after 6 years.

He served the Cowboys very well as a young player. I’ll remember the good times.

Who said he had a significant future? You are reaching to try and prove a point. His 2016 yards per carry were better than Zeke's 2017 stats. So does that mean that Zeke is washed up?

Murray may not be a bell cow type of back, but he would be great insurance. His issues in Philly were because he was in a system that did not fit his strengths. He was a round peg trying to be pushed through a square hole. He had a good year in Tennessee his first year despite being in a two back system. Last year his numbers were down as he fought injuries.

I don't think anyone is screaming for us to sign him. If we did it does make sense on some levels. I just don't think it is going to happen.