RB DeMarco Murray Free Agency Fits: Colts, Jets, Falcons

Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray is set to hit free agency after the Cowboys placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on WR Dez Bryant, and things are about to get really interesting.

With the NFL’s reigning rushing champion set to hit the open market, there are no shortage of teams looking for help at the running back position but this year’s crop of rookie runners is the best I’ve ever scouted.

That means Murray is at a disadvantage already, being that he has a history of injuries and is coming off of a season where the Cowboys gave him 400 plus touches. He proved he could carry the load, but how long can he produce at that level?

Here are the teams that I think could take a risk on Murray this offseason, and teams that he would be a good fit for financially and in terms of positional need.

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Indianapolis Colts

This is pretty obvious. The Colts have a need at the running back position after the failed attempt to revive Trent Richardson from the Cleveland Browns, and boy did they ever pay the price.

Having a back like Murray in the fold would be a great security blanket for Andrew Luck, and the Colts are one of a few teams in the NFL with over $40 million in cap space this offseason. They also need to make upgrades to the offensive line and defense, but the Colts could certainly find a way to pay DeMarco Murray and it would look really good at least on paper.

New York Jets

The Jets have Chris Ivory, but the opportunity to upgrade and sign a player like DeMarco Murray is enticing for them and if they are going to run the ball a ton, this is a player that could be a significant upgrade for their offensive weaponry.

New York also needs to make sure they upgrade their offensive line, but adding Murray is a really intriguing option for them.

Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons are going to be moving to a zone blocking scheme with Kyle Shanahan as the offensive coordinator, and after the somewhat failed experiment with Steven Jackson as a free agent, adding Murray would be a really interesting option for this team which already has Matt Ryan and Julio Jones as the offensive centerpieces.

Murray thrived this past year in the Cowboys’ offense, which started implementing more zone blocking, and he proved most effective.

The Falcons have plenty of other needs and this might be considered a luxury, but it would be exciting to watch.