As expected, the Dallas Cowboys decided to use their franchise tag on Dez Bryant rather than DeMarco Murray. Keeping both Bryant and Murray — in addition to Tony Romo’s massive salary — is going to be incredibly challenging for Jerry Jones and company. A hometown discount would help.
ESPN’s Ed Werder reports that Murray is expected to remain with the Cowboys if they offer a salary similar to the one he could receive on the open market.
Sources expect DeMarco Murray to remain with #Cowboys if offer equal or similar to what he attracts as UFA. His salary ranked 23rd at RB
— Ed Werder (@Edwerderespn) March 3, 2015
According to Pro Football Talk, Werder also noted that Murray would even be willing to accept a “small hometown discount” if Dallas offers slightly less than other teams. If some team blows the Cowboys’ offer out of the water, Murray will leave.
A lot of teams avoid signing running backs to lucrative contracts, but there is no arguing that Murray was the engine that made the Cowboys go in 2014. The 27-year-old carried the ball a whopping 392 times and caught 57 passes. Plus, the other top running back that is reportedly interested in playing in Dallas could command even more money than Murray.
Personally, I don’t think the Cowboys should break the bank for Murray given his age and injury history. But if he’s willing to take less than market value, the decision would be a bit easier.
