The DeMarco Murray era with the Philadelphia Eagles is on the rocks. Murray was benched by Chip Kelly in the Eagles' win over the Patriots last week, which led to Murray reportedly going to owner Jeffrey Lurie to complain his role in in the offense. It's led to speculation that the Eagles could cut Murray and/or that Murray won't be with the team next season.
The Eagles gave Murray a 5-year, $40 million contract this offseason and that contract is the biggest thing standing in the way of the Eagles moving on from him. Murray's cap hit for next season is $8 million, but he'd count $13 million against the cap if the Eagles cut him. His contract becomes easier to get rid of after 2016, so the Eagles might be stuck with the 27-year old running back who is averaging a career-worst 3.5 yards per carry. However, Kelly has shown he's willing to dump those who don't buy-in with his system, and that could be the case with Murray. With that in mind, here are 6 Teams DeMarco Murray Could Play For Next Season, If The Eagles Dump Him:
Tennessee Titans
The Titans have a budding franchise QB in Marcus Mariota, but don't have the running game to pair with him. Bishop Sankey is looking like a bust and Antonio Andrews actually has a worse yards per carry average. The Titans are projected to have nearly $25 million in cap space next season, and that's if the cap doesn't rise. They could afford to take Murray on in a trade, something not every team on this list can do. Murray is best as a power-type back, which might not be the best fit in Tennessee. The Titans are searching for a new coach and their hire will likely determine if the Titans have any interest in Murray.
Houston Texans
The Texans have nearly $29 million in cap space, but likely wouldn't trade for Murray. The team already has Arian Foster as the starter, but need to find a stable backup for him. The offense has struggled badly on the ground without Foster this season. He'll be 30 years old next year and hasn't played a full 16-game season since 2012. It's time for Houston to find Foster's eventual replacement, but it's more likely that comes via the NFL Draft. Still, if the price is right, the Texans could try to add Murray.
New England Patriots
This would be quite the classic Bill Belichick move. The Patriots are very tight on cap space, but Murray could be the team's starting back right away. The Patriots can still use LeGarrette Blount as the goal line back and Dion Lewis as the scat back, but Murray is the solid blend of both that the team doesn't have right now. It's a long shot, but Belichick has a habit of taking castoffs from other teams and getting the most out of them.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns have major issues on the offensive line, but their running backs haven't helped either. Duke Johnson has shown promise, but he's more of a third down back than an every down option. Isaiah Crowell can be upgraded and Murray would be the perfect replacement. Murray and Johnson would form a strong one-two punch and the Browns have the cap space to taken on Murray in a trade or add him as a free agent. The Browns have a severe lack of playmakers and Murray would be the best one instantly.
New York Giants
The Giants have $38 million in cap space, so price isn't an issue. The team has struggled running the ball this season, in part because of injuries on the offensive line. However, a lack of talent at running back has also been an issue. The Giants have tried Shane Vereen, Andre Williams, Rashad Jennings and Orleans Darkwa this year and none have found success. Vereen is a good third down back, but the team desperately needs a true workhorse. Murray can fill that role and heading to New York makes sense for him.
Dallas Cowboys
The most obvious destination is the last one on this list. Murray clearly misses the Cowboys and the Cowboys miss Murray. The running game hasn't been quite as sharp this season and the Cowboys have tried multiple running backs this year. None have been as effective as Murray was last season, although Tony Romo's injury hasn't helped. The Cowboys are tight on cap space, so a trade won't happen. However, if the Eagles cut Murray, he'll be immediately linked to the Cowboys. Murray returning to Dallas if things fall apart in Philadelphia is a serious possibility.
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