The Facts: The Cowboys selected Oklahoma’s DeMarco Murray in the third round with the intention of working him into the rotation at running back in place of Barber, who has a $4.25 million salary for next season. The club is expected to release Barber before training camp, avoiding a $500,000 roster bonus.
Diehards Line:Despite Morning News staffer's Gerry Fraley's contention Barber will be released before training camp, HC Jason Garrett contends that Barber could stick around. "We’re going to create competition on our team,” Garrett said. “Bring [Murray] in and see where he stacks up against the other guys. ...” But Murray's arrival speaks volumes. He set career-highs for yards rushing (1,214) and receptions (71) last season. But Murray was plagued by injuries his first two seasons with Oklahoma, missing the BCS title game for the 2008 season because of a ruptured hamstring. Helped by stretching programs and yoga, Murray stayed healthy in his final two seasons and started all 14 games for the first time as a senior. “People always want to mention [durability],” Murray said. “I missed four games in four years, and they were for injuries at the beginning of my career. I had no problems after that. I bounced back and carried myself well. I’m 100 percent now. ...” And it appears he'll need to be; the Cowboys will be looking for an immediate contribution.