DeMarco Murray to Eagles: Latest Contract Details, Comments and Reaction

Running back DeMarco Murray has reached an agreement with the Philadelphia Eagles on a five-year contract, per the team.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk added that Murray's base salary is $40 million and also divulged other financial details surrounding the running back's new deal.

Murray talked about his decision via the Eagles' Twitter account:  "I'm glad and fortunate to be here. It's a great organization. It's a privilege and an honor. Ready to get started."

Chip Kelly commented on the signing, via the Eagles and Eagles Insider:

When asked about playing with quarterback Sam Bradford, Murray said, "It was a huge influence," per Eagles Insider. 

When asked how he now feels about the Cowboys, Murray said the team has "a special place in my heart" and thanked Jason Garrett and the Jones family, per Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Jon Machota of The Dallas Morning News reported that Murray claims to have received better offers from other organizations before ultimately choosing the Eagles. 

Murray would later tweet out a message to fans:

Murray is coming off a monster season that saw him rack up more than 2,200 total yards and 13 touchdowns. It was a perfect storm of the talented back finally staying healthy for all 16 games and the Cowboys finally committing to the rushing attack.

A player with that level of productivity at almost any other skill position would be an automatic re-sign. Running backs are viewed differently in the current era, however, which meant his status was highly uncertain as the focus shifted to the 2015 campaign.

The previous injuries were also something teams, including the Cowboys, had to take into account. He missed 11 games over his first three seasons in the league.

Between the perceived decrease in the value of running backs and his injuries, what type of contract he could command was unclear. Murray told Todd Archer of ESPN Dallas it would come down to respect, because he knew his value:

"

At the end of the day, it's all about respect, and I think different people show their appreciation in different ways. I don't need a pat on the back. I don't need someone telling me how good I am on a constant basis and whatnot like that. I understand my value, so to speak, and I understand what I bring to the table.

"

At the very least, it created some intrigue as the process played out.

Although he seemed like a perfect match for what the Cowboys are doing on offense, the contract fit just wasn't there in the end. So he's moving on to a new opportunity with a team that hopes he can produce numbers in the same neighborhood as his outstanding 2014 season.

Perhaps the biggest question is workload. He tallied an eye-popping 497 touches last year, if you count his playoff production. He made it through without any serious injuries, but following up that type of effort with another one is far easier said than done.

It wouldn't be a surprise, then, if he handles a slightly less stressful workload in the early weeks—not only as part of the process of getting acclimated to his new surroundings but also in an effort to make sure he has plenty left in the tank for later in the season.

According to NFL Media nsider Ian Rapoport (h/t NFL.com), the Eagles also added Ryan Mathews on Thursday, which will lessen the need for Murray to carry the ball as much as he did in Dallas last season.   

Expectations will certainly be sky high following the move. Murray's talent isn't in question, but the other factors, most notably whether he stays healthy, will probably determine the signing's fate.