Dallas Cowboys News & Notes: Possible Destinations For DeMarco Murray

Where does DeMarco Murray rank among the NFL’s top running backs? | Jon Machota, DMN
Better question: How would you feel if you just broke Emmitt Smith's franchise record for rushing yards, led the league in rushing yards (with almost 500 yards more than the next best guy), and somebody told you you were only the fifth best running back in the league?

2015 NFL Free Agents: Top 5 Free Agent Running Backs & Possible Destinations This Offseason - Latin Post
This article identifies Oakland and Arizona as possible destinations for DeMarco Murray, who is ranked as the No. 1 free agent running back.

No doubt about this one. DeMarco Murray had an unbelievable season with a league-high 1,845 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns with the Dallas Cowboys. It will be interesting to see what Jerry Jones does because star wide receiver Dez Bryant is set to become a free agent as well. Murray is a bruising running back with good speed, and he's a great teammate to have. The only flaw with Murray is he sometimes fumbles the ball. The Cowboys may choose to franchise tag Murray, thus keeping him another year.

Why the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could get DeMarco Murray | GiveMeSport
Two key reasons:

With over $25 million of cap room available for Tampa Bay, they could be able to offer Murray what he is looking for.

Telling Murray that they will give him what he wants financially and will also be drafting a quarterback like Marcus Mariota or Jameis Winston could be a major appeal for the team.

2015 NFL Mock Free Agency: Destinations For Top Running Backs - NFL Mocks
This article argues that the Colts might make a run at Murray.

The time has come for the Indianapolis Colts to get serious about giving Andrew Luck a ground game.  Signing the best possible running back in free agency would qualify.  DeMarco Murray is a proven workhorse and reigning Offensive Player of the Year.  He may not reproduce what he did in Dallas, but he’s better than anything the Colts have.

DeMarco Murray Still Acting Like a Cowboy, For Now | NBC DFW
Richie Whitt writes that despite the free-agent money waiting for Murray, he may be comfortable remaining in Dallas.

Murray is still acting like, well, a Dallas Cowboy. Murray may change his tune next month when teams begin courting him. He might become infatuated with the cash, forget about winning and turn his back on teammates and friendships. But as of now, he’s still 100-percent Cowboy.

Patience with rookie pass rushers a must for Dallas Cowboys - Todd Archer, ESPN Dallas
Todd Archer echoes a thought that we've been discussing on BTB for a while: rookie pass rushers need time to develop. Archer suggests a solution.

The lack of immediate success could find the Cowboys continuing to go with numbers at the spot in free agency, perhaps re-signing Anthony Spencer, George Selvie, or both as stop-gaps so the Cowboys don’t find themselves reaching when it comes to the draft.

Who is this year's "bet on me" contract? - Todd Archer, ESPN Dallas
In this edition of Archer's mailbag, he answers a question about possible free-agent bargains who might sign Melton-like "bet on me" contracts due to their injury history.

I think the Cowboys like to find buy-low free agents and see what they can do. Jerry Jones called it the incentive plan. Henry Melton was OK, but only OK. Anthony Spencer was solid. The trade for Rolando McClain worked beautifully with him on a one-year deal.

To me, the current need is for a pass-rushing defensive end, so that would knock Nick Fairley from the discussion. He would play more of the nose tackle spot with the Cowboys, and I think he would require too much money while playing a spot that doesn’t see a lot of action. Brian Orakpo is intriguing. I know the Cowboys have a lot of respect for him and how hard he plays. They really think a lot of Ryan Kerrigan, too, speaking of Washington pass rushers. Orakpo has had three pectoral tears that have cost him games. That’s a red flag for sure. But if the money is low, then I can see that happening, but if I had an either/or I’d vote for Spencer returning.

Bill Parcells: If I played Tony Romo as a rookie, he would’ve been out of the NFL in less than 2 years | Jon Machota, DMN
Machota offers some interesting excerpts from Parcells' forthcoming biography. In addition to what he has to say about Romo, Parcells recounts how he explained to Jerry Jones why he would want to coach the Cowboys:

"There are lounge acts in Vegas, and then there is the big room where Elvis and Sinatra play. The Cowboys are in the big room, which is one of the reasons I’m excited about coaching again."

Police drop Joseph Randle’s drug charge; ex-girlfriend requests protective order against him | Dallas Morning News
Lots of twists and turns on this one, and it'll be a while yet before we know what actually happened - if at all.

Randle was arrested early Tuesday and cited for unlawful possession of a controlled substance. Wichita police Lt. James Espinoza said today that the misdemeanor charge against Randle was dropped because police received "inconsistent stories, statements from individuals out there."

Espinoza said police are still investigating what transpired Tuesday, and the accusations of domestic violence against Randle. Police do not know yet what charges, if any, will be filed.

Joseph Randle: I’m ‘learning the value of a good lawyer each day’ | Jon Machota, DMN
No kidding.