DeMarco Murray Comments on Role in Eagles Offense, Future with the Team

Philadelphia Eagles running back DeMarco Murray hasn't had the workload of a feature back in 2015, but it hasn't impacted his desire to remain with the team.

CSN Philly's Dave Zangaro reported what Murray had to say Thursday:

When asked if he wanted to stay with the Eagles in 2016, Murray replied, per NFL Network's Albert Breer, "100 percent. Yes."

Although Murray did acknowledge he was frustrated with getting only eight carries in the Eagles' 35-28 win over the New England Patriots in Week 13, he said he was nevertheless happy the team won, per Zangaro.

Star Eagles defensive lineman Fletcher Cox also poked a bit of fun at the situation in an exchange with Murray:

Some speculated Murray wasn't happy when he spoke to team owner Jeffrey Lurie on the team plane this past week, per ESPN's Ed Werder.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network added more to that end on Sunday, noting, "Murray didn't think [Eagles head coach] Chip [Kelly] was approachable. Murray questioned Kelly and Duce Staley to the owner."

Bleacher Report's Jason Cole had an interesting report on Thursday that contradicted what Murray said publicly:

Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio reported something similar, with a source telling him there's "a lot of truth" to the idea Murray wants to return to Dallas. 

After breaking out in 2014 as the NFL rushing champion with the Dallas Cowboys, Murray signed a five-year, $40 million deal to join the NFC East rival Eagles in free agency. He hasn't lived up to his price tag, in part because Kelly simply hasn't run the 27-year-old often enough.

NFL Network's Charley Casserly weighed in on the situation and hinted Kelly can't pander to Murray as Philadelphia prepares for a postseason push:

Murray has averaged only 3.5 yards per carry in 2015 thus far and will need to excel down the stretch for the 5-7 Eagles to optimize their chances of winning the putrid NFC East division.

The good news is Philadelphia has other capable backs such as Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles to pick up the slack in the last quarter of the season if Murray's struggles persist.

Kelly's team also lacks an electrifying passing attack. It ranks 19th under the direction of quarterback Sam Bradford, who stands among the worst full-time starting signal-callers this season with an 83.5 passer rating.

With better play under center in 2016 and beyond, perhaps Murray can better find his groove in Philly. He has to bear that in mind when pondering how he fits into the Eagles' long-term plans.