DeMarco Murray would reportedly give Cowboys hometown discount
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.
