According to ESPN’s Adam Caplan, the Philadelphia Eagles and free-agent running-back DeMarco Murray are feeling each out a bit. Caplan, who posted the news via Twitter, was unclear how much interest was on each side.
Adam Caplan on NFL Insiders just said the Eagles and Cowboys free agent RB DeMarco Murray have mutual interest. pic.twitter.com/nFLkvKiPmG
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) March 10, 2015
Obviously, this takes a back-seat to this afternoon’s trade of Nick Foles, but the Eagles interest in Murray would be interesting.
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Murray is projected by Spotrac to receive a four-year/$30 million deal with over $14 million guaranteed.
The Eagles weren’t expected to approach that price-tag for a running-back, but being that they lost out on some other free-agent targets, and Murray is the north-south type runner that Chip Kelly is apparently seeking, it seems very possible that has changed.
Of course, DeMarco Murray led the NFL in rushing yards in 2014 as a member of the Dallas Cowboys. He complied 1,845 yards on the ground, averaging 4.7 yards a carry, and 115.3 yards a game. He also scored 13 touchdowns.
Murray was also an effective receiver out of the backfield. He hauled in 57 catches for 416 yards.
The Eagles need to replace LeSean McCoy, who was traded to the Buffalo Bills last week.
At the very least, this may get the Cowboys to overpay for Murray, which would also be beneficial to the Eagles future.
Update 6:32 PM EST–More backing to the idea that the Eagles are serious in their pursuit of Murray.
#Raiders & Jags both want DeMarco Murray & have the most $ but Philly still being very aggressive I'm told
— John Middlekauff (@JohnMiddlekauff) March 10, 2015
Update 8:45 PM EST–It appears that the Eagles are more likely to land Murray than have him return to Dallas. It’s possible that the Eagles drop out now that Murray doesn’t appear likely to return to Dallas, but the Eagles potentially being the only possible competitive team (emphasis on possible) in the sweepstakes makes this interesting.
The prospect of DeMarco Murray leaving the #Cowboys is very real. At this point, they almost expect it. #Raiders in hard, #Eagles, Jags, too
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2015
Update 3/11 1:20 PM EST–In an interview on 97.5 the Fanatic, ESPN’s Adam Caplan says that Murray is ‘very interested’ in joining the Eagles, as he likes Chip Kelly’s offense. Caplan still isn’t sure how extensive the interest of the Eagles is, but says that it is there.
Update 3/11 2:55 PM EST–Peter Schrager of Fox Sports coming in hot. (I’ll show myself out.)
Sources tell me Eagles are now "very much" in play in the DeMarco Murray chase. Could be a Dallas-Philly showdown today. @NFLonFOX
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) March 11, 2015
Eagles - Murray discussions have heated up significantly today. Bradford, by the way, was a Murray college roommate at Oklahoma. @NFLonFOX
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) March 11, 2015
And yes, this is after agreeing to a deal with Ryan Matthews.
Update 3/11 4:25 PM EST–I’m not sure what it means, but this seems like something that would interest Chip Kelly.
DeMarco Murray renewed Eagles' interest w personal call to Chip Kelly; not just spread offense ran at Oklahoma; Sam Bradford's roommate, too
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) March 11, 2015
Update 3/11 4:41 PM EST–The smoke continues to thicken surrounding the DeMarco Murray to-Philadelphia buzz. The latest on the running back’s interest in the Eagles.
Then, his former college quarterback Sam Bradford chimed in.
Sam Bradford says he is absolutely recruiting DeMarco Murray.
— Section 215 (@Sec215) March 11, 2015
Update 3/11 6:30 PM EST–Though LaDanian Tomlinson appears to have made some very good connections since joining the NFL Network, particularly with running-backs, I’m going to lean towards Ed Werder being right on this one.
From @LT_21: My sources tell me there's a very strong chance of DeMarco Murray joining the @Eagles.
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) March 11, 2015
My sense: @DeMarcoMurray decision could happen soon, that #Jaguars not actively involved, #Raiders offering most $$$, #Cowboys lead #Eagles
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) March 11, 2015
Update 3/11 9:27 PM EST: It’s unclear if this team is the Eagles or Raiders. The Raiders may seemingly have gotten the feeling that Murray doesn’t want their money enough to risk joining a team that hasn’t had a winning season in over a decade. If that’s the case, the Eagles are seemingly still in things. Either way, it feels like things are about to come to a head.
At least one of the teams pursuing DeMarco Murray believes he will be staying in Dallas.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 12, 2015
Also, this.
RT @Darth_Doug: Where is Murray going? … Keep thinking Dallas, but I don’t know. Can’t count the Chipster out.
— Peter King (@peter_king) March 12, 2015
Update 3/11 10:04 PM EST: It sounds like a return to Dallas for Murray seems likely, but not be for a visit to the Eagles. Whether this is just a leverage play or he’s seriously considering coming to Philadelphia, this has certainly become interesting.
Quick update on the DeMarco Murray sweepstakes. I'm told a Cowboys' late push has included calls/texts from key players/coaches. @NFLonFOX
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) March 12, 2015
It's on: Cowboys free-agent RB DeMarco Murray is flying to Philadelphia to meet Eagles officials on Thursday, per league source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2015
Stay tuned as we learn more…
Next: Assessing Chip Kelly's Culture in a Post LeSean McCoy World
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