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Is DeMarco Murray or Dez Bryant easier to replace for Dallas Cowboys?

By Nick Ziegler

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The Dallas Cowboys have big decisions coming in free agency, as it’s never easy when one of your marquee players is a free agent. The Cowboys unfortunately have two Pro Bowlers that will be free agents making their offseason that much more difficult.

Both DeMarco Murray and Dez Bryant will be looking for big money this offseason, and although they are both elite players at their position, one of them could be replaced much easier than the other.

Bryant has been the better of the two free agents so far in his career, as in five seasons, Bryant has 5,424 yards receiving with 56 touchdowns. In the past three seasons, Bryant has become an elite wide receiver in the NFL. Over that span, Bryant has had more than 1,200 yards receiving, with more than 12 touchdowns in each of those seasons. Bryant has been durable for the Cowboys, as he has only missed five games in his career.

Jan 4, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) carries the ball after a catch chased by Detroit Lions defensive end Jason Jones (91) during the first quarter in the NFC Wild Card Playoff Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The main concern with Bryant getting a new contract will be his off-the-field issues, as there’s no denying when he’s on the football field he’s worth every penny.

As durability is a major positive of re-signing Bryant, it is a negative for Murray. Last season was the first that Murray didn’t miss a game in, but he didn’t make it through the season without injury. Murray had to have surgery on his hand towards the end of the season, as it looked like he would miss time, but Murray bravely played through it.

When on the field Murray has always been productive with a 4.8 yards per carry average for his career. Behind a great offensive line last season, Murray broke out for one of the best seasons for a running back in NFL history. Last season Murray finished with 1,845 rushing yards, which broke the Cowboys’ regular season rushing record. The touches for Murray last season were ridiculously high, as in addition to 392 carries in the regular season, he also had 57 receptions.

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Both Murray and Bryant will surely be making their money this offseason, but the Cowboys have to consider just how valuable Murray is. One of the best things the Cowboys have done in recent years is build their offensive line. Using first-round picks on Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick, and Zack Martin have paid off greatly for the Cowboys. The good young offensive line not only has helped Tony Romo become a more efficient passer, but it also may have exaggerated just how good Murray is.

Murray was the only Cowboys’ running back to have a successful 2014, as his backup Joseph Randle also benefitted from the great offensive line. Last season, Randle had 343 yards on just 51 carries for a ridiculous 6.7 YPC, which is something hard to imagine that he’d do anywhere else.

The Cowboys do have the benefit of not being forced into signing Murray if his contacts demands are too steep. Murray is surely the headliner of the running back free agency class this season, but there are a lot of other solid running backs out there like Mark Ingram and C.J. Spiller. Depending on the Adrian Peterson situation with the Minnesota Vikings, he can surely be another option.

Dallas can also go the inexpensive route with replacing Murray as well through the draft by selecting a running back like Melvin Gordon or Todd Gurley.

It’s not ideal for Dallas, but if they choose between keeping just Bryant over Murray, they would at least be able to replace Murray more easily with option available.

Next: What teams should be interested in DeMarco Murray?

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