DeMarco Murray, Dallas Cowboys could agree to deal around combine

The Dallas Cowboys have two top-ten players at their respective positions to try and re-sign this offseason, as both No. 1 wide receiver Dez Bryant and elite feature back DeMarco Murray are on expiring contracts and will command lucrative deals. Bryant’s deal will undoubtedly be more robust than Murray’s, because No. 1 wide receivers are inherently more valuable, and Bryant is the much more durable player and has more upside to boot. The Cowboys have unsurprisingly prioritized Bryant, and it was reported earlier today that Bryant is more likely to receive the franchise tag than Murray if the Cowboys are forced to choose between the two.

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That said, the Cowboys would love to keep their star running back around for a few more seasons, as Murray should have a few more years of top rushing ahead of him at the age of 26. “Some league sources” tell CBS Sports’s Jason La Canfora that Murray and the Cowboys could get a deal done around the combine, as both sides are expected “to negotiate in earnest” during the offseason.

Murray already has 244 carries and 1,233 rushing yards with seven touchdowns, and nine of his ten performances have gone for at least 100 yards. He is averaging over five yards per carry and over 120 rushing yards per game, so he has been an absolute monster. Running backs don’t get paid much, but this guy deserves a fair deal, though it will be difficult to come by with Bryant being the No. 1 priority to lock up.