There comes a time in every teams life when they have to decide if they have a future with their oft-injured franchise running back.
The Cowboys might be facing that junction of life as we speak.
DeMarco Murray has been a pleasant surprise for a third round draft pick. Since joining the Cowboys he has produced 1560 yards on 325 yards and six touchdowns. After bursting on to the scene, the Cowboys hoped that they had found the franchise running back they had been searching for since the departure of Emmitt Smith.
However, the only truly consistent thing about Murray is his nack for injury.
Murray has missed nine games due to injuries in two seasons with the Cowboys. Legitimate concern is begining to mount on whether Murray can endure the riggers of a full NFL season. When healthy, Murray shows glimpses of being a top-10 running back in this league but the Cowboys would much prefer consistency at the position over sporatic big games.
So what should the Cowboys do about Murray?
A deep draft class has talented running backs that could tempt the Cowboys. Prospects like Eddie Lacy, Johnathan Franklin, Monte Ball, Stepfan Taylor and Giovanni Bernard are guys who could come in and produce on every down for the Cowboys. Then there are guys like Lattimore, Ellington and Le’Veon Bell who project to become featured backs over time.
The bottom line is that the Cowboys will have options.
They might not need a guy who can come in right away and produce. However, Murray’s contract is going to expire in 2015 and considering the Cowboys projected cap status and other pending free agents the Cowboys definitely need a plan.
Jason Garrett’s offense relies strongly on a balanced rushing attack that allows the offense to take risks in the passing game. For the offense to be successful they need a consistent running back, something they don’t have with Murray and because of that Tony Romo struggled.
The Cowboys need to invest in more than just an offensive line, they need to invest in their scheme and the weapons that make it successful. If the Cowboys hope to maximize Tony Romo’s skill set they need to ease his burden by adding a running back who can be consistent through a full NFL season.
Murray remains a talented back who could very well have a bright future, I’m just not sure the future is in Dallas.
the cowboys need to start THINKING OF TRADING PLAYERS INSTEAD OF WORRING OF THE SALARY CAP….
FREE AGENCY DIDNT RUIN THE COWBOYS IT WAS JERRY JONES THAT DID IT, THINKING HE IS A COACH, HE SHOULD TAKE A HARD LOOK AT THE OAKLAND RADIERS AND WHAT THE OWNER AL DAVIS DID TO THEM….
You have to be careful. If you trade a player you are still responsible for all signing and incentive bonus so they cost you dead money.