Eagles & DeMarco Murray Reportedly Headed Towards A Stare-Down

February 4, 2016

Update:

Eagles RB DeMarco Murray told ESPN on Thursday that he wants to return to Philadelphia, and is working “tremendously hard” to improve.

“That’s not the lasting impression I want to leave in my mouth and [for] the fans, and my family, anyone,” Murray said on SportsCenter, via Philly.com. “I take football very, very serious – it’s my life. I love it, besides my family and my faith obviously. … I never want to leave off on a note like I did last year. So I’m working tremendously hard to try and improve from an individual standpoint and a team standpoint as well.”

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Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, citing several sources informed of the situation, reports that the Eagles and RB DeMarco Murray appear headed toward a stare-down regarding his future with the team.

According to Rapoport, the Eagles are concerned about Murray’s 2015 performance and aren’t sure if he’s the right back for them, especially when you consider the massive contract he signed last offseason.

Beyond that, Murray reportedly doesn’t feel completely comfortable with the organization, his role and how things played out last year.

Interestingly enough, Rapoport mentions that if Murray ends up being released, teams such as the Seahawks, Cowboys and Raiders could have interest.

Rapoport adds that Murray hasn’t asked to be released or traded, and the Eagles do not appear to be intent on cutting him. However, Rapoport mentions that the longer this situation goes without a resolution, the greater chance that things “could explode.”

Murray, 27, will be entering the second year of his five-year, $40 million contract that included $21 million guaranteed. He stands to make base salaries of $7 million (2016), $7.5 million (2017), and $7.5 million (2018-2019) over the remainder of the contract.

including a $5 million signing bonus and initial $3 million roster bonus. Another $2 million is available through incentives. 2016: $7 million, 2017: $7.5 million, 2018-2019: $7.5 million

In 2015, Murray ran for 702 yards on 193 carries (3.6 YPC) to go along with 44 receptions for 322 yards receiving and seven total touchdowns. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 66 running back out of 68 qualifying players.