IRVING, Texas -- It is the Cowboys' position, in the wake of DeMarco Murray's big-money departure to Philadelphia, that there are 30 different directions for Dallas to go at the running back position.
The signing of former Arkansas and Raiders' first-round running back Darren McFadden to a two-year deal is only part of one of those directions, sources tell FOX Sports Southwest.
McFadden has signed a two-year deal at what we're told is near the veteran's minimum, but the Cowboys recognize this is not the end-all to their search to replace Murray, the NFL rushing champ who joins the Eagles with a new $42 million contract. The running back options at Valley Ranch include a "by-committee'' approach, the examination of using a first- or second-round pick on a runner, and even the exploration of a deal to bring unhappy Vikings star Adrian Peterson to Texas.
McFadden is a gifted and explosive runner when healthy, as exemplified by the fact he was the fourth overall pick in the NFL Draft in 2008 after a stellar career at Arkansas. There is a Jerry and Stephen Jones connection with Arkansas, of course. But this is a scouting department move and a cap move based on what McFadden has done in his seven NFL years and how affordable he is because those years have been plagued by injury. Last season, McFadden rushed for 534 yards on 155 carries in 16 games. In his career, he has averaged 4.1 yards per carry and has rushed for 4,247 yards and 25 TDs.
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