DeMarco Murray Eyeing Philadelphia Eagles

Free-agent running back and NFL rushing champion DeMarco Murray is reportedly eyeing a reunion with former Oklahoma Sooners teammate Sam Bradford with the Philadelphia Eagles, per multiple reports.

Could DeMarco Murray be on his way to the Philadelphia Eagles?

League sources told ESPN’s Chris Mortensen on March 11 that Murray “personally reached out” to Eagles head coach, Chip Kelly. Murray wants to be a part of Kelly’s spread offense and be reunited with his college teammate with the Oklahoma Sooners, Sam Bradford. 

Mortensen says Murray’s interest was enough for the Eagles to return the sentiment despite agreeing to a three-year, $11.5 million deal with former San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews. 

The biggest hindrance to Murray landing with the Eagles would be money,as Kelly has implicitly stated Philadelphia will be prudent in its personnel decisions, per Mortensen.

The ESPN source goes on to say that Murray considers Bradford one of his best friends. The two men played on the same Sooners team from 2007-09. When asked about his recruiting pitch to Murray, Bradford cut to the chase:

“Absolutely. I’ve been trying my hardest. I’ve called him. I’ve texted him. I’ve done everything. We’ve been in communication. If we can somehow land him, it would be a great pickup. Not only is he a great player, he’s a great person. He’s a really close friend of mine, too. I think he can really help this ballclub.”

According to CSNPhilly.com, the Eagles could actually be increasing Murray’s market value. If he decides to re-sign with Dallas for a higher price, the better it would be for other teams. 

Sources tell me Eagles are now “very much” in play in the DeMarco Murray chase. Could be a Dallas-Philly showdown today.

@NFLonFOX— P. Schrager (@PSchrags) March 11, 2015

The CSNPhilly.com report then adds more details about Murray reaching out to the Eagles:

“It’s also possible the Eagles are attempting to stockpile trade chips to move up in the draft, even though Kelly said earlier Wednesday the Eagles would not mortgage the future to move up for Marcus Mariota. The Oakland Raiders, who select fourth and already have a QB in Derek Carr, are also reportedly chasing Murray.”

According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport (via NFL.com’s Dan Hanzus), Murray is “intrigued” at the prospect of playing for Kelly and the Eagles. The Oakland Raiders–who are offering the most money–and the Jacksonville Jaguars have also expressed interest in Murray. Rapoport says he will likely make a decision by Wednesday evening. 

Rapoport (via NFL.com) stresses Murray “took note” of the trade on March 10 which sent Bradford to Philly in exchange for Nick Foles, who is now with the St. Louis Rams. When asked about their knowledge of the up-tempo offense Kelly employs, Rapoport says both Murray and Bradford “know it extremely well.”  

Should the Eagles somehow not get Murray, the Dallas Cowboys are looking to re-sign him, per Mortensen. 

Otherwise, Murray will fill a void left by Frank Gore, who was about to sign with the Eagles but changed his mind just before the start of NFL free agency on Tuesday. He wound up signing with the Indianapolis Colts instead. Gore’s agent, Drew Rosenaus, told ESPN he signed a three-year, $12 million contract with $7.5 million in guaranteed money on March 10.

The 27-year-old Murray is coming off his second consecutive 1,000-yard season. He led the NFL with 1,845 rushing yards in 2014 and scored 13 touchdowns as well, per ESPN stats. 

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