Report: DeMarco Murray, Eagles ‘Not In A Good Place’

According to a new report from NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, DeMarco Murray and the Eagles are at odds heading into the offseason, and are “not in a good place.”

Murray, who is under contract through 2019, rushed for 897 yards and two touchdowns in his first season with the Birds.

A few key excerpts from Rapoport’s report include this section, where he asserts there are doubts between Murray and the Eagles’ front office that the two sides can reach a reconciliation after his disappointing 2016.

Eagles and Murray appear headed toward a stare-down regarding his future with the organization, according to several sources informed of the situation. The division bogs down to: Murray’s unsuccessful 2015 campaign during which he rushed for only 702 yards, the Eagles‘ lack of conviction that he’s the right back and the massive contract Murray signed last offseason.

There are very real questions of, can Murray play and succeed in Philly in 2016? And moving forward, is a sudden turnaround feasible? There are doubts.

And this section, where Rapoport makes it seem something could be happen if conditions between the two sides don’t improve.

Murray hasn’t asked to be released or traded, and the Eagles seem — at this point — intent on not cutting him. But the longer this situation goes without a resolution toward the belief that it can work, the greater chance it could explode.

Rapoport goes on to say “it’s fair to say Murray has eyes on greener pastures.”

Murray’s frustrating first season with the Eagles was a long, unproductive one, viewed by many as an incompatibility problem between Murray’s running style and Chip Kelly‘s offensive scheme.

As the season wore on and the defending rushing champion continued to struggle to fit in with the offense, tensions reportedly built behind closed doors.

On December 8, ESPN’s Ed Werder reported that Murray had discussed his role with Jeffrey Lurie on the team’s return flight after beating the Patriots.

Birds 24/7’s Tim McManus later added that Murray had wanted to discuss his role with Lurie for a few weeks, before the discussion finally occurred.

Two days later, Murray spoke to reporters at his locker and said that he was “very happy” to be in Philadelphia.

Then, after Chip Kelly was fired before the final game of the season, Murray seemed to view the coaching refresh as a new opportunity, saying it was a “fresh start for everyone.”

Murray made it clear on more than one occasion this season that he wanted more touches than he received. He also said, at the end of the season, that he would be willing to adapt to whatever offensive style the team’s new coach would bring in with him.

Doug Pederson‘s offenses were running back havens in Kansas City, but it would appear that Murray’s problems with the Eagles’ front office run deeper than just football.