For Colts, 5 Frontline Free Agents to Avoid

Dec 21, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray (29) carries the ball as Indianapolis Colts linebacker Jonathan Newsome (91) defends in the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Number 2: DeMarco Murray, Running Back

Player: DeMarco Murray

Age: 27

Ht/Wt: 6’0″, 217 pounds

Buyers Remorse:  For Murray, it’s not an issue of talent, production, or character, it’s more an issue of his price tag. As a former 3rd round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft out of Oklahoma of the Dallas Cowboys, Murray has become one of the best running backs in the NFL. He was the NFL’s leading rusher in 2014, as he led in rushing yards with 1,845 total rush yards and was tied for 1st in rushing touchdowns with 13 scores. His 4.7 yards per carry average was also superb on the season.

However, Murray is going to be expected to be compensated as perhaps the highest paid running back in the NFL, following such a historic season. He was no doubt aided by an incredibly strong Dallas Cowboys offensive line, but that kind of production speaks for itself.

Of course, the Colts are in desperate need of an upgrade at running back where Trent Richardson has floundered, Ahmad Bradshaw has proven to be injury prone, and they were forced to rely heavily on 3rd-string running back Dan “Boom” Herron during the most meaningful games of the season.

Given his cost and age though, the Colts would be wise to find a more cost-efficient solution for their starting running back position. Murray is going to earn a lot of money on his next contract, and at age 27, he’s already approaching the shelf-life of most high end running backs (especially given his high usage this past season with 392 carries).

The Colts also don’t have the run blocking that Murray had with the Cowboys, so it would be much more difficult to expect that type of production again, yet still have to pay the premium price for it.