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Dallas Cowboys, DeMarco Murray reunion makes sense

By Steven Mullenax

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 21: DeMarco Murray #29 of the Dallas Cowboys goes through pregame drills before their game against the Indianapolis Colts at AT&T Stadium on December 21, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 21: DeMarco Murray #29 of the Dallas Cowboys goes through pregame drills before their game against the Indianapolis Colts at AT&T Stadium on December 21, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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After being released by the Tennessee Titans, running back DeMarco Murray returning to the Dallas Cowboys makes a lot of sense.

After posting the best numbers of his now seven-year career with the Dallas Cowboys in 2014, running back DeMarco Murray followed the money in free agency and joined the Philadelphia Eagles. That tenuous relationship lasted only a year before he was traded to the Tennessee Titans. Now, after a three-year exodus, is it finally time for Murray to return home?

The Cowboys made the former Oklahoma Sooner the 71st overall pick in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft. It would take two years before Murray would post his first 1,000+ rushing yard season in Dallas. And in the final year of his rookie deal in 2014, he would post a career-high 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns.

That season Murray led the Cowboys to a 12-4 record, an undefeated regular season record on the road and the team’s first playoff victory in five years. He would also earn a Pro Bowl nomination and was named to the NFL’s All-Pro first team.

The following season was full of promise for the Cowboys. But Murray’s exodus to Philly and two collarbone injuries suffered by then starting quarterback Tony Romo killed Dallas’ season in 2015, resulting in an embarrassing 4-12 record. But that terrible season allowed the Cowboys to draft Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott, fourth overall, in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft.

And while Murray has been working in Tennessee, Elliott has been busy finding underrepresented success behind the same offensive line DeMarco once ran behind.

According to a report on NFL.com, the Titans have now informed Murray that they have released him. The move saves Tennessee $6.5 million and places the 30-year old running back on the open market.

The veteran’s career is believed to be on a decline, as he tied a career-low 3.6 yard per carry average in 2017. It’s expected that Murray would be best utilized as part of a rushing duo or committee. Essentially, he’s not viewed as a workhorse back anymore. Could the Cowboys be a good fit?

I think the answer is yes, as long as it’s for the right price and Murray understands his role in Dallas. First, Elliott is undoubtedly the bell cow. And Rod Smith is believed to be the favorite to be his primary backup.

But it’s pretty clear not everyone on the Cowboys coaching staff believes Smith is quite ready for that role yet. The fact Dallas preferred to run with Alfred Morris rather than the former fullback during Zeke’s suspension last season proves that. Morris started five of those six games.

With Morris currently a free agent, and questions surrounding Smith’s development, Murray could be the perfect solution in Dallas. Especially if there are still concerns about Elliott’s off-the-field behavior. Let’s remember, Zeke is one mistake away from a significant ban.

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The upside of adding veteran running back DeMarco Murray to the roster are obvious, This is someone who already knows the system and is very comfortable with the coaching staff, scheme and it’s players. Murray is an instant plug-n-play starter who’s had a lot of success behind this very same O-Line four years ago. If the price tag is right, Dallas should absolutely welcome their prodigal son back home.

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