Archer: Without DeMarco Murray, Cowboys turning to defense

[Cotton]

Without DeMarco Murray, Cowboys turning to defense
March, 12, 2015

By Todd Archer | ESPNDallas.com

IRVING, Texas -- Now that DeMarco Murray is leaving the Dallas Cowboys, their intention isn’t to find his replacement in free agency.

The intention is to improve the defense with the money they no longer will have to commit to Murray.

The Cowboys have needs all over the place and have lost linebackers Justin Durant and Bruce Carter and defensive tackle Henry Melton to free agency.

At linebacker, the Cowboys have had discussions with Rolando McClain’s agent about a return, but nothing is imminent.

At cornerback, they have interest in Antonio Cromartie and Patrick Robinson but nothing is imminent.

At defensive line, they have looked into Derrick Morgan, among others, but nothing is imminent. And they could see another defender leave in Anthony Spencer, who is scheduled to make a trip early next week.

But like with Murray, the Cowboys have their prices they are willing to pay.

The cap space that may have been reserved for Murray can now be spread around to the defensive side of the ball.

Last year’s offensive formula helped the Cowboys defense significantly. The offense dominated with the running game and the defense was kept off the field and played fewer snaps. With the running game changing without Murray, the Cowboys are smart to look at the defense.

 

[ravidubey]

Greg Hardy.

 

[Texas Ace]

Good defensive players don't come cheap.

You want good players, you gotta pay for them.

 

[Cowboysrock55]

Hardy and McClain and I'm

We have the money for both of those guys now. After that if we can find a valuable FS or corner I'm all about adding another guy in free agency but I have my doubts we will be able to find a guy at either of those positions with much talent.

 

[boozeman]

At cornerback, they have interest in Antonio Cromartie and Patrick Robinson but nothing is imminent.

At defensive line, they have looked into Derrick Morgan, among others, but nothing is imminent.

This is a problem then.

It needs to be imminent. Cromartie is already gone and Morgan probably will be. Clayborn is gone. There is virtually shit at pass rusher unless you make Hardy a priority.

There is no reason they should now be sitting there doing nothing. The other shoe dropped and they need to get to plugging the holes they would have had, Murray or not.

If they don't do something, we will be a running team without a runner and still have a shitty defense and only one draft to try and correct it.

 

[hstour]

My problem is that in waiting on Murray, they missed out on Pernell McPhee who signed a 5 year / $38,750,000 contract with the Chicago Bears, including a $2,500,000 signing bonus, $15,500,000 guaranteed, and an annual average salary of $7,750,000 with Chicago. Had they signed him, then going into the draft, if Gordon or Gurley were there they could have taken either. Or if for some reason a top 10 LB, CB or S had fallen, then they could have drafted that player. Good RBs can still be had in the 2nd and even 3rd round.

 

[VA Cowboy]

You'll get Brinkley and like it.

 

[p1_]

Good defensive players don't come cheap.

You want good players, you gotta pay for them.

That appears to be why we didn't pay Murray his preposterous Eagles money.

 

[Clay_Allison]

That appears to be why we didn't pay Murray his preposterous Eagles money.

Except we aren't getting any good defensive players either.