I don't think Dallas can lose Murray

[VACowboy]

If anything, I think the last couple of weeks have shown that we can survive without him. He's been pretty ineffective the last couple of weeks, and we haven't missed a beat.

Don't kid yourself. There's a reason Murray's numbers have gone down and Dez/Witten/Beasley's have gone up. And it's NOT because Murray suddenly became "ineffective."

 

[Doomsday101]

Carries shouldn't be an issue with DeMarco Murray.

Prior to this season, the running back only had two seasons in college and the NFL where he eclipsed 200 carries.

This is the first time Murray's ever had over 300 carries.

But I don't see him returning unless the open market fails to offer up crazy money, which could keep Dallas in play, and the franchise tag isn't used on Dez Bryant, freeing up cap space.

I've mentioned that what Doug Free wants is very important, does he want to get paid or is staying here more important at this point in his career?

The same goes with Murray.

He deserves to go get his money, but how important is the star to him?

Then why not apply that to Dez, how important is the star to him? Why should we pay him as a top WR?

 

[maxdallasfan]

Rumor has it that a few NFC teams are interested in McCoy.

He'd be killer behind this OL

http://eaglescap.com/Players/LeSeanMcCoy.html

 

[Wood]

Very good RB. Great teammate and obviously well-respected by players and coaches. I think they'll make a fair offer. If they do decide to let him walk after failing to reach an agreement, the team IMO must address the position fairly early in the draft(2nd-3rd RD).

I think that is wishful thinking that team can just replace him that easily. Most rookie RB can't handle blitz pickups well. Dallas better have ace up their sleeve if they let Murray walk because Romo football future depends on it.

 

[Sarge]

Chances are 50/50 that we keep him and 50/50 that we let him go... ..

Thank you.

 

[Bleu Star]

Mid-season I thought Dallas could just plug-n-play most RB's and have success. Shame on me for being simple minded about it. The trickle down effect of Murray style and production is sole reason we are talking about a healthy, upright Tony Romo late in Dec. I almost feel Dallas needs to bite the bullet on Dez and sign long term deal and use franchise tag on Murray. Franchise tag on Murray would be cheaper than one placed on Dez. Just wish Dez would be reasonable here because Dallas has something here. Below are attributes I think Murray brings. If you know of another FA running back to brings this to table...please share.

What makes Murray special:
* He is young (26 years old)
* He is big (6' 218 lbs)
* He plays hurt (starts a game 6 days removed from surgery)
* He is punishing runner (this sets tone for entire team....does Randle give you that sense?)
* He is good at picking up blitz (this might be his best trait when tied to Romo back situation)
* He has good vision with adequate speed

Your cerebral cortex is impressive.

Others that don't quite see the value... Not so much.

Thankfully, for you and I, Demarco and Dez will both be Cowboys for many years to come.

 

[Zimmy Lives]

I think that is wishful thinking that team can just replace him that easily. Most rookie RB can't handle blitz pickups well. Dallas better have ace up their sleeve if they let Murray walk because Romo football future depends on it.

I think Ryan Williams is going to be given an opportunity to compete for the job if Murray does move on in FA. Williams is actually a good fit, based on his running style, behind this o-line. Of course the Cowboys will look for a complimentary vet RB as well as a draft pick to cover their bases.

 

[Eskimo]

There is only so much money to go around. I'd rather spend the money on upgrading the DL and re-signing Dez over retaining Murray.

One problem with Murray is that his burst is gone. His vision is only adequate. He is getting by on power and determination but that will only take you so far at 210 pounds.

If we can get a bargain in FA for a little used but productive RB I'd be okay with going that route. Alternatively, I'd draft someone in the top 3 rounds and go RB by committee. The real key to this offense is the passing game while the running game serves mostly to keep the opposition defense honest and our defense off the field. You don't need a star RB to do that behind this OL and with Romo making people pay for stacking the box.

 

[Doomsday101]

There is only so much money to go around. I'd rather spend the money on upgrading the DL and re-signing Dez over retaining Murray.

One problem with Murray is that his burst is gone. His vision is only adequate. He is getting by on power and determination but that will only take you so far at 210 pounds.

If we can get a bargain in FA for a little used but productive RB I'd be okay with going that route. Alternatively, I'd draft someone in the top 3 rounds and go RB by committee. The real key to this offense is the passing game while the running game serves mostly to keep the opposition defense honest and our defense off the field. You don't need a star RB to do that behind this OL and with Romo making people pay for stacking the box.

Dallas will likely address the defense as they have on offense and that is through the draft. I don't see Dallas running out getting high priced FA defensive players. Only defensive FA I think they sign are the ones we have like Rolando McClain.

 

[Bluefin]

Then why not apply that to Dez, how important is the star to him? Why should we pay him as a top WR?

I expect the team uses this tactic with every player they want to re-sign.

In the case of Dez Bryant, he is one of the best wide receivers in the game and Dallas will use the franchise tag to keep him if a long term extension isn't signed.

So he's going to get paid like a top WR.

The Cowboys have made no such statements regarding DeMarco Murray. Mike Fisher has reported that the team had a number, $4M per season average, that it would not surpass in contract negotiations earlier this season.

That obviously wasn't enough and Murray's price have have doubled given his production.

And that's fine.

Murray deserves it.

Dallas is going to keep Dez, wants to ink Rolando McClain and it would be wise to get something done at RT prior to the start of free agency, where some defensive additions appear in order.

It doesn't look like Murray is in our plans.

 

[Doomsday101]

I expect the team uses this tactic with every player they want to re-sign.

In the case of Dez Bryant, he is one of the best wide receivers in the game and Dallas will use the franchise tag to keep him if a long term extension isn't signed.

So he's going to get paid like a top WR.

The Cowboys have made no such statements regarding DeMarco Murray. Mike Fisher has reported that the team had a number, $4M per season average, that it would not surpass in contract negotiations earlier this season.

That obviously wasn't enough and Murray's price have have doubled given his production.

And that's fine.

Murray deserves it.

Dallas is going to keep Dez, wants to ink Rolando McClain and it would be wise to get something done at RT prior to the start of free agency, where some defensive additions appear in order.

It doesn't look like Murray is in our plans.

Lot of things get reported don't they. lol

 

[Bluefin]

Dallas will likely address the defense as they have on offense and that is through the draft. I don't see Dallas running out getting high priced FA defensive players. Only defensive FA I think they sign are the ones we have like Rolando McClain.

The team has to make moves on defense during free agency.

George Selvie, Nick Hayden, Henry Melton, Anthony Spencer, Rolando McClain, Bruce Carter and Justin Durant are all scheduled to be unrestricted free agents.

Waiting until the draft is not an option.

McClain is the priority, but Dallas would do well to look for as many upgrades as possible over current players while being fiscally responsible with the majority of their decisions.

 

[THEHEREAFTER]

* He is punishing runner (this sets tone for entire team....does Randle give you that sense?)

No but I LOVE Randle.....Yes he benefits from Murray softening the defense but boy is this guy improving. Save for the fumble fighting for extra yardage, I'm really excited by this guys burst. Was I the only one somewhat dissapointed that Murray CONTINUED to play up 21-0? To be clear I'm a huge Murray supporter. In a very wierd way I feel like Murray does not want Randle getting TOO Many carries if you know what I mean? Lol

 

[Doomsday101]

The team has to make moves on defense during free agency.

George Selvie, Nick Hayden, Henry Melton, Anthony Spencer, Rolando McClain, Bruce Carter and Justin Durant are all scheduled to be unrestricted free agents.

Waiting until the draft is not an option.

McClain is the priority, but Dallas would do well to look for as many upgrades as possible over current players while being fiscally responsible with the majority of their decisions.

Most of those are minor contracts, Ro clearly is a bigger one, Durant I think will return and Carter will be out. Spencer commands little, Melton if he plans on staying will have to do a new contract because they will not pay the amount due. Dallas also will make room using Tyron Smith, Romo, Lee and likely a pay cut for Carr or he could be sent packing.

 

[Derinyar]

I still think my opinion of Murray is mostly unchanged by this year. I think Murray is a good but not an elite back. I think he's managed to stay on the field and is running behind an elite line. Some of this season is due to the line. The important, and probably unanswerable, question is how much of it. My view is that Murray is a good back in the middle of a great season. He's going into FA at the exactly correct time. Someone is going to pay him like he's a McCoy or Peterson, in my opinion. I don't think he's that level of talent. Paying good like its great is a way that you hamstring yourself in sports.

 

[Gaede]

I am also in favor of resigning Murray.

However, Coleman in the draft is basically a replica of him, and that's pretty intriguing. Obviously, there's a drop in leadership though

 

[Bluefin]

Most of those are minor contracts

Most of them are players I'd like to upgrade, especially on the DL.

We need better.

Dallas also will make room using Tyron Smith, Romo, Lee and likely a pay cut for Carr or he could be sent packing.

Tony Romo and Tyron Smith are givens to restructure, the team can create $20M or more by doing this.

But the franchise tag for Dez Bryant is going to be around $13M and Dallas will need to keep that much room available in case they need to use it. I expect a long term extension will get done but we have to plan for the worst in case it doesn't.

Sean Lee didn't meet the performance incentives to boost his 2015 base salary ($2.5M), so it wouldn't create much room if he restructured. It can be done, Dan Bailey's a similar option, but it wouldn't clear a lot of room.

Brandon Carr taking a big pay cut would help immediately, but I don't know if that will be offered or accepted. Releasing Carr as a June designation would mean waiting until June 2nd before the savings become available on the cap.

Henry Melton's deal voiding will save almost $8M next year.

Doug Free's cap number will also come down, either by amending the existing deal and lowering the $8M base salary to something like $4M or his deal will void, saving over $6.5M.

But it would be best to keep either Free or Jermey Parnell.

Dallas is creative with contracts, I'll never rule out finding a way to keep DeMarco Murray.

I just don't think they will.

 

[TrailBlazer]

Your cerebral cortex is impressive.

Others that don't quite see the value... Not so much.

Thankfully, for you and I, Demarco and Dez will both be Cowboys for many years to come.

Dez for sure. My gut feeling is that murray will price himself outta town. He's a product of the oline. I'd like to have him back for another year but can be replaced for less than 5 million per year. His demeanor and leadership is what I would be concerned about losing, more than his running back skills.

 

[TrailBlazer]

I think Ryan Williams is going to be given an opportunity to compete for the job if Murray does move on in FA. Williams is actually a good fit, based on his running style, behind this o-line. Of course the Cowboys will look for a complimentary vet RB as well as a draft pick to cover their bases.

Williams and randle and 1 draft pick or cheap vet could get the job done.

 

[JohnsKey19]

I think that is wishful thinking that team can just replace him that easily. Most rookie RB can't handle blitz pickups well. Dallas better have ace up their sleeve if they let Murray walk because Romo football future depends on it.

I never implied that it would be easy or that the draft pick would just step in and seamlessly keep things rolling. My point was the team should at the least add to the RB position's talent base if in fact Murray is let go. Immediate starting talent is generally drafted in that 1st 3 rounds.