Running back DeMarco Murray seemed to be a potential beneficiary to the coaching change taking place with the Eagles this offseason. Having been exposed as a poor fit in Chip Kelly's scheme, Murray's frustrations served as a prominent undertone for the 2015 Eagles. Despite the assumption that Doug Pederson's arrival may help provide a fresh start for Murray, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport provided some knowledge that puts that notion to rest in a big way.
In a few minutes on @nflnetwork, I'll shed some light on the murky future in Philly for #Eagles RB DeMarco Murray…
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 4, 201
Rapoport broke down some of the major hurdles facing the two sides in the immediate future. Here are the highlights in his article on the matter.
A coaching change hasn't improved the situation for Eagles running back DeMarco Murray. Even with Chip Kelly being sent packing and the hire of Doug Pederson, the former NFL rushing leader and his team are not in a good place.
In fact, Eagles and Murray appear headed toward a stare-down regarding his future with the organization, according to several sources informed of the situation. The division bogs down to: Murray's unsuccessful 2015 campaign during which he rushed for only 702 yards, the Eagles' lack of conviction that he's the right back and the massive contract Murray signed last offseason.
There are very real questions of, can Murray play and succeed in Philly in 2016? And moving forward, is sudden turnaround feasible? There are doubts.
Almost simultaneously running alongside the NFL Network story, Murray appeared on ESPN to state his case for the future.
DeMarco Murray tells ESPN he does NOT blame Chip Kelly for his issues last year. Murray wants to come back to Eagles pic.twitter.com/xbdjZTRQMI
— Jeff Skversky (@JeffSkversky) February 4, 2016
DeMarco Murray tells ESPN he thinks QB Sam Bradford will be back & thinks #Eagles will tailor offense to suit Sam pic.twitter.com/OuAiyx0Efx
— Jeff Skversky (@JeffSkversky) February 4, 2016
h/t to @JeffSkversky for ESPN coverage.
The future in regards to Murray will seemingly join the futures of Sam Bradford and Fletcher Cox as among the storylines to keep an eye on as the 2016 offseason continues to play out. Seeing as Howie Roseman likely had little involvement in putting together a contract such as the one Murray received during the 2015 offseason, it makes sense as to why there may be question marks surrounding the running back's future.
Somers Price is a contributor for Eagledelphia.com; Follow me on Twitter @somersprice
