The Philadelphia Eagles announced they have signed running back DeMarco Murray to a five-year deal. They also signed running back Ryan Mathews to a three-year deal earlier in the day.
DeMarco Murray agrees to 5-year deal with Eagles
Murray is officially headed to Philadelphia, filling the void left by the LeSean McCoy trade.
Although details of the contract were not disclosed, Adam Schefter reported that the five-year contract was expected to be worth $42 million with $21 million guaranteed.
Murray, the leading rusher in the league last season, has seen his market develop slower than most expected. Murray was an effective running back in 2013, but really broke out in 2014, putting up 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns for the Dallas Cowboys.
The former University of Oklahoma star will likely replace LeSean McCoy, who was traded to the Buffalo Bills for linebacker Kiko Alonso on March 10. Murray would also join quarterback Sam Bradford, his college roommate. In Chip Kelly's scheme, it stands to reason Murray will get plenty of touches.
More on Murray & the Eagles
Murray was an integral piece to Dallas' success last year, alongside quarterback Tony Romo and wide receiver Dez Bryant. The Cowboys wound up winning the NFC East and were in the discussion for the top seed in the conference late in the regular season. Murray played a huge part in that, carrying the ball 392 times and catching 57 passes.
A third-round pick in 2011, Murray has spent his whole career with the Cowboys, but 2014 was certainly an unexpected turn for him given the sheer number of touches that went his way. He carried the ball 217 times in 2013, and put up 1,121 yards and nine touchdowns. Murray slowed down as the 2014 season progressed, but in the first half he was on pace to set the NFL’s single-season rushing record.
He fell short of that record, but earned himself a big payday regardless. This offseason has once again been uneasy for running backs. The value of the position remains a rapidly moving target in the NFL, and teams still seem hesitant to give out big contracts. With the massive workload Murray had last season, many were wondering how his deal would shake out.
Murray is 27 years old, has a pair of Pro Bowls and a first-team All-Pro award under his belt, and should be a big contributor in 2015. But given his number of carries last year and his history with injuries, he might not be able to turn in another AP Offensive Player of the Year performance.
See More:
