DeMarco Murray Says He Was “95% Sure” He Was Going To Be Back With Cowboys

October 15, 2016

Titans RB DeMarco Murray said that he was “95 percent sure” he was going to return to the Cowboys during offseason before he was ultimately traded to Tennessee.

“It was like 95 percent sure I was going to come back there,” Murray said, via Charean Williams of the Star-Telegram. “I have a lot of respect for those guys — the Jones family, Will [McClay], coach [Jason] Garrett obviously and [Tony] Romo and Wit [Jason Witten], all those guys. I still consider them a great franchise, and they’re great friends of mine.

“I was very close to going back there. There were some things that fell through and just didn’t happen. I think everything happens for a reason. I’m here, and I’m supposed to be here. They’ve got a pretty good young back over there as well.”

Williams reports the Cowboys and Eagles were nearing an agreement that would have sent Murray back to Dallas, but Philadelphia preferred to trade him to a team outside of their own division.

Murray went on to say that he was “very involved” in trade discussions and that his heart was not with the Eagles’ organization.

“I was very involved in the talks,” Murray said. “Once the season ended, I talked to [new Eagles coach Doug] Pederson a little bit. My heart just wasn’t there. I felt it was a situation where I needed a fresh start, and I was granted that by [Eagles executive vice president] Howie [Roseman] and [owner] Jeffery [Lurie], who is a great guy. Really good people. I was fortunate to have that relationship with them, so I could tell them, ‘This is where it is. I think it would be best for both sides if I find a new home.’ ”

Murray, 28, signed a four-year, $25.5 million contract with the Titans that contains $12.5 million guaranteed with another $7.5 million available through incentives. He is set to make $6 million this season and will make another $6.25 million for the next two years.

In 2016, Murray has appeared in all five games and has recorded 461 rushing yards on 93 attempts (5.0 YPC), three touchdowns, and lost one fumble. He has also caught 24 passes for 172 yards receiving and two touchdowns. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 2 overall running back out of 54 qualifying players.