Report: Murray Will Visit Eagles Thursday
USA Today Sports
Running back DeMarco Murray will visit with the Eagles on Thursday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Per multiple reports, the Cowboys and Raiders are said to be the other teams vying for his services.
On the surface, it’s easy to see why Eagles fans would be excited about the possibility. They’d be stealing the league’s leading rusher from their division rival.
But digging deeper, the move doesn’t seem to make a lot of sense. Murray, 27, carried the ball a whopping 436 times last year. And 2014 was the first time in his career where he played all 16 games.
Friend of the blog Noah Becker has some good numbers:
Since 2000, 4 guys have carried the ball over 390 times in a season: DeMarco, Larry Johnson, Eddie George and Ricky Williams.
— Noah Becker (@Noah_Becker) March 12, 2015
LJ never again played a full season averaged under 4.0 YPC, Eddie played 4 more seasons (3 full) averaged 3.2(!!) YPC.
— Noah Becker (@Noah_Becker) March 12, 2015
Ricky was suspended, retired, came back and was productive with one more season over 200 carries. — Noah Becker (@Noah_Becker) March 12, 2015
The Eagles have reportedly already agreed to terms with Ryan Mathews on a three-year deal worth $11.5 million, although that signing has not officially been announced. Darren Sproles is on the books for a $4.1M cap hit and $3M base salary. And Chris Polk is on the roster as well.
One of the big reasons they let LeSean McCoy go was because of his salary. The thought was Chip Kelly could scheme production out of the RB spot at a lower cost. Signing Murray, even if he’s considered a good scheme fit, would poke a hole in that theory.
The Eagles have money to spend, but they still have other holes to fill (safety, right guard, wide receiver).
There are conflicting reports on where Murray will end up:
Feeling is that unless #Cowboys get serious about wanting him back (hint: step up in offer), he’ll be wearing midnight green. Stay tuned. — Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) March 12, 2015
Sense with clubs that DeMarco Murray wants to stay in Dallas but drive the price up. Cowboys have been very disciplined. — Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 12, 2015
Breer reported that Murray is seeking $8 million per year, but has not found anyone to pay that yet.
We’ll find out Thursday if Murray leaves without signing.