DeMarco Murray Signs with Philadelphia Eagles

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Matt Rourke

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Matt Rourke

Running back DeMarco Murray is expected to sign with the Philadelphia Eagles, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The deal appears to be a five-year deal worth $42 million, with $21 million guaranteed.

Throughout the 2014 season, Cowboy’s general manager and owner Jerry Jones was up to a difficult task: retaining wide receiver Dez Bryant and running back DeMarco Murray, both looking to cash in. The Cowboys initially placed the franchise tag on Bryant worth $12.8 million; with the placement of the franchise tag of Bryant, the Cowboys were left to negotiate a long-term deal with Murray.

The running back market, initially, was stocked; names included DeMarco Murray, Justin Forsett, CJ Spiller, and Mark Ingram. The market has severely slowed down with a slew of names being signed in the first few days of free agency. With the recent departure of LeSean McCoy to the Buffalo Bills, the Eagles stepped up to make a prime acquisition. In essence, this move aids their organization while leaving a bitter taste for their divisional rivals, the Dallas Cowboys.

The Eagles moved quick to replace McCoy. Initially, the Eagles agreed to terms on a contract with running back Ryan Mathews, who has yet to sign. It will be interesting to see how the Mathews contract will work out, due to Murray’s recent signing. Will Mathews look for work elsewhere? Murray’s contract will exceed what McCoy will be receiving, with his recent extension in Buffalo. Murray is signing a contract that has a basis of $42 million; on the flip side, McCoy has received an extension with a basis of $40.05 million. The difference? McCoy’s contract has $26.55 million while Murray will be guaranteed $21 million. At this point, it’s just pennies and change.

As for the Cowboys, this departure is a prime example of a bittersweet exit. The Cowboys were firm with their offer and never intended to pay Murray, especially to the extent the Eagles had. Keep in mind, the Cowboys held, potentially, one of the best offensive lines in the National Football League (NFL) last season. Early replacement candidates are Joseph Randle and Lance Dunbar, but do not be surprised if the Cowboys address this necessity through the draft, or perhaps free agency or trade (Adrian Peterson?). The current state of the offensive line in Dallas is certainly not changing, thus providing an incentive for running backs to join and run behind the formidable line.

Murray went on to say, to ESPN’s Todd Archer, It was never about the money.” Murray continued, “I could’ve taken that a long time ago. It’s about winning a Super Bowl [and] being fair” (NFL on ESPN Twitter).

This will not be the last time you hear about the Eagles and Cowboys adding gasoline to their feud.