After setting multiple single-season franchise records in 2014, All-Pro running back DeMarco Murray's Dallas Cowboys' future is up in the air.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported earlier this week that the Cowboys have had an offer on the table worth just over $4 million annually.
To the surprise of no one with knowledge of the going rate for All-Pro workhorses, Murray's camp has bridled at the low-ball offer.
Owner Jerry Jones conceded Thursday that it will be a "challenge" to bring back Murray and fellow impending free agent Dez Bryant this offseason.
"Is it ... financially reasonable? No. Is it possible? Yes," Jones said. "But if you just look at it from the standpoint of dollars and cents it probably doesn't look reasonable. But then you got to factor in how you get there. But at the end of the day you do realize it's going to be costly to have both those players."
Jones has already made it clear that Bryant is the top priority, with the franchise tag as an option if necessary.
A swashbuckler of Jones' nature is ready to embrace "the art of the deal" by attempting to sign both. He'll need to increase his offer by a considerable amount to keep Murray in the fold.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast previews Championship Sunday and makes our picks for each game. Find more Around The NFL content on NFL NOW.