Oh, there's something to talk about!
Freaking Cowboys, what are they doing? I understand not wanting to overspend on DeMarco, but... Darren McFadden as a feature back? Fuck outta here! Guess they're grab a guy in the draft unless they really think Joseph Randle can be a 1,500 yrd rusher. Darren McFadden. Gimme a break
Not sure I understand the criticism. You mention them not wanting to pay DeMarco, and from what I hear it was actually Stephen Jones who stepped in and said they had already committed too much cap space to offense and that they could only afford to pay Murray 5 mill per (they stretched it to 6 but obviously he still felt disrespected). Personally I am incredibly jealous that of all people Jerreh's kid seems to understand how things work in the NFL but Al Davis' kid is a complete buffoon. Funny how life works.
As for replacing Murray, you don't really think that Dallas looks at DMC or Randle and have any expectations of a 1,500 yard season do you? The plan at this point is clearly committee, and most expect they will draft someone to throw into the mix; I've even heard they love Gurley and view him as a perfect Murray replacement. Assuming they don't get Gurley and it is Randle vs DMC in camp for the starting spot, McFadden will win the job and head the committee. He has been surprisingly healthy the last couple of seasons in Oakland, but the production hasn't been there since Hue left obviously.
Here are the contract details:
3/13/2015: Signed a two-year, $3 million contract. The deal included a $200,000 signing bonus. Another $2.85 million is available through incentives. 2015: $900,000 (+ $150,000 in per-game roster bonuses), 2016: $1.25 million (+ $500,000 in per-game roster bonuses), 2017: Free Agent
So, worst case scenario he blows out both knees breaking the first huddle of training camp, They are on the hook for next to no guaranteed money. Best case he plays his ass off and they have him at a bargain even if he starts reaching incentives. What other RB on the market would have worked here all things considered, and I mostly mean financially. They get a low-priced boom or bust back who can help them in a few ways if healthy, particularly pass protection where they would be hurting with a guy like Randle.
Health pending, DMC will average 5+ YPC in Big D, that I would bet on. I don't want to overstate things, but I really smell a career resurgence on the horizon. Not many Raiders leave our team that I think could do things elsewhere, but DMC fits the mold. Not nearly as much baggage as McClain had, but I could see a similar comeback season for DMC that Rolando experienced in Dallas.
