IRVING, Texas – Losing DeMarco Murray in free agency would be tough enough, but having him sign with a division rival is even tougher.
That's the reality that could be facing the Cowboys as the NFL's leading rusher has flown to Philadelphia where he's reportedly close to signing a deal with the Eagles.
The Cowboys met with Murray's agent over the last two days and offered him a deal in the range of $6 million per season.
Murray, who reportedly gave Eagles head coach Chip Kelly a phone call on Wednesday, flew to Philadelphia to meet with the team on Thursday. Also, the Eagles officially signed free-agent running back Ryan Mathews, a former first round pick of the Chargers.
The Cowboys, meanwhile, signed their first free agent since the open-signing period began, inking veteran fullback Jed Collins, a four-year pro who has spent time with the Lions and Saints.
Collins, 29, signed just a one-year deal. He does have 44 career receptions over the past four years.
But like all fullback, blocking is Collins' main strength. The question now is which running back he'll be blocking for in 2015.
If Murray signs with another team, he'll be the sixth player to leave the Cowboys this offseason, joining linebackers Bruce Carter and Justin Durant, offensive tackle Jermey Parnell, wide receiver Dwayne Harris and defensive tackle Henry Melton, who signed with the Bucs Thursday morning.
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