Jerry Jones: Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray to test free agent market

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones Saturday said talks with DeMarco Murray's agent are going "slow," and indicated the running back is likely to test the free agent market before considering re-signing with the Cowboys, according to a Fox Sports report.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones Saturday said talks with DeMarco Murray's agent are going "slow," and indicated the running back is likely to test the free agent market before considering re-signing with the Cowboys, according to a Fox Sports report.

From the report:

"[Murray] is probably going to, you know, get some peace and see what's out in the market and then we'll talk and see. I do believe deep down he'd love to stay in Dallas," Jones said, according to the report. 

"We've had some really good football players go into free agency: Jay Novacek and Darren Woodson and, you know, they still sign with the Cowboys. So, just because you're a free agent doesn't mean you're not necessarily going to end up back in Dallas."

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Murray, 26, led the NFL in rushing yards last season with 1,845 yards, a mark that bested Hall Of Fame running back Emmitt Smith's record for the most yards by a Cowboys rusher in one season.

The former collegiate star at Oklahoma ran for 13 touchdowns in also caught 57 passes for 416 yards in 2014 for the 12-4 Cowboys. He set an NFL record for rushing for 100 yards in eight consecutive games. 

Murray played a pivotal role in the Cowboys' best season since 2007's 13-3 campaign. Dallas earned only its second playoff win since 1997 when it beat Detroit in the NFC Wildcard game, 24-20.  

The earliest Murray could a sign a contract with a team is Mar. 10.

- Will Green