Top 25 2015 NFL Free Agents with predictions
Jan 4, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray (29) carries the ball as he is chased by Detroit Lions defensive end Devin Taylor (92) and Glover Quin (27) during the third quarter in the NFC Wild Card Playoff Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
#11 – RB DeMarco Murray
2014: 393 carries, 1,845 yards, 13 TD
Ranking Murray outside of the top-1o feels plain wrong, but this is meant to be indicative of the softened value placed on running backs, not Murray’s skill or ability. Rarely does an offensive weapon with Murray’s resume ever hit the free agent market, as he is coming off a season in which he was named the Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year.
Unfortunately for Murray, he plays at one of the most replaceable positions in the NFL, and the Dallas Cowboys have bigger fish to fry. He and Bryant are the Cowboys’ main priorities, but finding a suitable replacement for Murray is much easier, and cost-efficient, than finding one for Bryant. The makeup of the Cowboys’ offense plays into this as well, because their elite offensive line will greatly aid whoever carries the rock in 2015.
This certainly isn’t to say that Murray won’t return to Dallas, but right now, it’s a toss-up. Although he will be just 27 entering next season, the extreme workload that he took on this past season could be a huge red flag for potential suitors. Larry Johnson‘s rapid demise after an extreme workload is still fresh in the memory, and a 3-4 year contract could be a massive risk at a position that is often fine being manned by younger, cheaper options.
Regardless, Murray is a lethal weapon. He could be the missing piece that elevates an offense from good to great, and many RB-needy teams would love to add Murray in March, which would open up their draft plans to target other positions. If healthy, Murray could be a fantastic, albeit expensive, signing.
Predictions: Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts, Buffalo Bills, San Diego Chargers, Oakland Raiders, Jacksonville Jaguars
Next: #10: A Super Bowl champion