Earlier today, reports came out that the Eagles were still interested in free-agent running back DeMarco Murray even after agreeing to sign Ryan Mathews (see story).
As talented as Murray is, it was a confusing fit given the Eagles' backfield depth. But a reason for the maintained interest was revealed this afternoon by ESPN's Chris Mortensen.
Murray himself called Chip Kelly and personally expressed interest in playing for the Eagles.
Bradford's presence can only help. The Eagles' new QB said at his press conference Wednesday afternoon that he's been contacting Murray in an attempt to recruit his former Sooners teammate to the Eagles.
Murray, the NFL's leading rusher in 2014, is in line for a huge payday. And, given Kelly's explanation Wednesday afternoon that money was a main factor in trading LeSean McCoy to Buffalo, he seems to be out of the Birds' price range.
Mathews' agreement is for $11.5 million over three years with $5 million guaranteed. Darren Sproles has cap hits the next two seasons of $4.1 million and $4.5 million. Chris Polk is also on the roster. If the Eagles were to add Murray, they'd be committing a heck of a lot of money to a position many believe to be expendable.
Then again, Murray is anything but an interchangeable part. He totaled 2,261 yards in 2014 and scored 13 touchdowns for the Cowboys. For his career, he's average 4.8 yards per carry. And most importantly, he played all 16 regular-season games for the first time in his four-year career.
UPDATE: 6:07 - NFL analyst LaDainian Tomlinson has an update on the possibility of the Eagles signing Murray.
Stay tuned.