Jerry Jones: Signing both Dez Bryant, DeMarco Murray will be 'challenge'
Dallas Cowboys owner general manager Jerry Jones says he wants to sign his two All-Pros, wide receiver Dez Bryant and running back DeMarco Murray, but it will "be a challenge" to get both deals done.
Both players completed the last seasons of their contracts and could hit the open market when the new league year starts in March. Jones acknowledges that it will take significant money to sign both players.
"It's going to be a challenge," Jones said to ESPN.com. "Is it financially reasonable? No. Is it possible? Yes. But if you just looked at it from dollars and cents, it probably doesn't look reasonable.”
The Cowboys could sign one to a long-term deal and use the franchise tag on the other player. Last season, the franchise tag for a wide receiver was $12.312 million; for running back it was $9.54 million.
Bryant had 88 receptions for 1,320 yards and a league-high 16 touchdown catches, and Murray led the NFL in rushing with 1,845 yards and tied for the league lead with 13 rushing touchdowns, helping the Cowboys to their first playoff berth in five seasons.
Jones said he isn’t thinking about restructuring quarterback Tony Romo’s contract, but other players might be asked to do so.
"In general, loading up on one player in an area that just requires good, solid consistency might not be the way to go," Jones said.
- Scooby Axson
