Jerry Jones to let DeMarco Murray test Free Agency

One of the biggest names in North American sports is just now starting to cool off after one of its biggest seasons in two decades. But in the NFL, great success comes with great cost, as the Dallas Cowboys are quickly learning.

Dallas was set to fall under heavy pressure to keep its stars in the blue and silver this offseason, and the brass at Cowboys headquarters have taken their first step towards ensuring an equally devastating offense in 2015.

Superstar wide receiver Dez Bryant has already been slapped with the team’s franchise tag, earning him a touch under $13 million this upcoming season. Regardless, the Cowboys remain hopeful of securing a long-term deal before the July 15 deadline.

Meanwhile, running back DeMarco Murray has reportedly received somewhat shabbier treatment, with owner Jerry Jones expecting his star tailback to “get some peace and see what’s out in the market” while ultimately believing that “deep down, [Murray] would love to stay in Dallas.”

The decision has permeated from “slow” talks between the Cowboys and Murray’s agent. And while it should be noted that this move by no means signals Dallas’ intentions to cut ties with Murray, it does give the club a chance to assess the true worth of one of the NFL’s most polarising players in terms of on-field value.

On paper, the decision should be an easy one. Murray amassed 1845 rushing yards in 2014 en route to the rushing title, and spent the entire season tussling with Pittsburgh Steelers renaissance man Le’Veon Bell for the title of ‘best back in football.’ Murray’s detractors, however, continue to see him as a one-move man whose stellar season could be primarily credited to his offensive line, arguably the best unit in the league.

With the benefit of free agency, the Cowboys can better leverage their position at the negotiation table, deciding whether or not offers fielded to Murray from other teams are within Dallas’ personal ballpark.

It isn’t ideal, but this is exactly the kind of smarter, more patient approach the team needs to adopt with its personnel to be prepared for an even deeper playoff run next year.