Cowboys VP Stephen Jones said that free agent RB DeMarco Murray will likely test the open market in the coming week before the two parties rekindle contract talks.
Even though it sounds like Murray will get the opportunity to meet with prospective teams, Jones added that still believes DeMarco would prefer to be back with the Cowboys next year.
“[Murray] is probably going to, you know, get some peace and see what’s out in the market and then we’ll talk and see,” Jones said. “I do believe deep down he’d love to stay in Dallas.”
“We’d love to keep him in Dallas; just see how things play out,” Jones said.
Jones also confirmed that they plan to use their franchise tag on WR Dez Bryant and not Murray.
None of this comes as much of a surprise, as numerous reports have said that Murray was likely to reach free agency.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media previously reported that the Cowboys have had a four-year contract worth more than $16 million on the table for Murray.
However, it’s hard to blame him for wanting to see what’s out there instead of accepting a similar contract to what Donald Brown and Toby Gerhart received last year.
Murray, 26, was extremely impressive this season. He ran for 1,845 yards on 393 carries (4.7 YPC) and scored 13 touchdowns, over the course of 16 games and added another 57 receptions for 416 yards receiving.
Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 5 running back in the league out of 57 qualifying players.
We have Murray listed as the No. 10 player in our Top 100 Free Agents list.
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