If The Cowboys Sign Adrian Peterson, Where Does DeMarco Murray Fit?
The Dallas Cowboys are off to a great 5-1 record so far this year. They are tied for first in the NFC east with the Philadelphia Eagles. One of the reasons the Cowboys are off to their great start is because of running back DeMarco Murray. Murray might even be the frontrunner for league MVP. So far through 6 games Murray has 785 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns. He is on pace to rush for over 2,000 yards and over 400 attempts in a season. The Cowboys are in a tough spot right now since Murray is a free agent at the end of the year. The Cowboys have also been linked to Minnesota Vikings troubled running back Adrian Peterson. So what would happen if Dallas would sign Peterson? What would happen to Murray?
If the Cowboys were smart they would try to keep Murray along with signing Adrian Peterson. With all the legal troubles Peterson is facing, it’s tough to say when he will be able to play in a game. There are reports out now saying Peterson could face suspension when his court days are over. I realistically see Peterson playing mid way towards the end of next year, or maybe even two years from now depending on how hard Roger Goodell comes down on him with suspensions. The Cowboys could also sign Peterson to a really cheap contract, thinking that no other NFL team will take a chance on him. That also depends on if the Vikings release Peterson.
Lining up Peterson and Murray in the back field at the same time could confuse the defense since they won't know who will carry the ball. Murray has his history of injuries; having Peterson there to take off some of the wear and tear could keep Murray fresher and the same could be said about keeping Peterson fresh. There has also only been 6 teams in NFL history that had two teammates both rush for over 1,000 yards in a season. Murray and Peterson together could make it 7 NFL teams in history.
The hardest part is re-signing DeMarco Murray. Almost every team would love to sign Murray. The Cowboys will also have to try to sign wide receiver Dez Bryant who will also be a free agent at the end of the year. According to reports the Cowboys are already in talks with Murray trying to work a new contract out with him. Murray and Bryant won't be cheap to sign though. The signing of Peterson could help the Cowboys in many ways, one by helping split carries with Murray and two he could be the lead runner incase Murray doesn't resign with the Cowboys.
