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News | Washington Commanders - Commanders.com

NFC East Intel: 3.12.15

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On today's edition of NFC East Intel we have a look at the Eagles' major moves on offense, the Giants' bolstering their rushing attack and the Cowboys losing several major contributors early in free agency.


Philadelphia Eagles

Headline:DeMarco Murray Reportedly Switching Up NFC East Allegiance, Signing With Philadelphia

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NFL.com's Albert Breer is reporting that Murray is expected to sign with the Eagles. Murray, of course, spent his first few seasons in the NFL with the Cowboys.

What this means for the Redskins: From one NFC East rival to the next.

Murray was widely regarded as the top running back in this year's free agency class after rushing for an NFL-high 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns during the 2014 season.

Breer said it came down to the Eagles, Cowboys, Jaguars and Raiders for his services, but that the two-time Pro Bowler ultimately decided to choose Philadelphia.

It will be interesting to see how Murray is implemented into Chip Kelly's offense. While the recently-traded LeSean McCoy had success under Kelly during their two seasons together (2,926 yards and 14 touchdowns), he did split time with Darren Sproles.

Murray, meanwhile, recorded a career-high 392 carries in 2014.

In four seasons with the Cowboys, Murray has recorded 4,526 yards and 28 touchdowns on 934 carries.

Headline:Eagles Swap Quarterback, Land Former No. 1 Pick Sam Bradford

Completed on the first day of the new league year, the Eagles traded away Nick Foles and in return acquired former No. 1-overall pick Sam Bradford.

What this means for the Redskins: Despite an incredible 2013 season in which he threw for 27 touchdowns to just two interceptions, the Eagles decided Foles wasn't the quarterback to lead their offense during the 2015 season.

He only played in eight games last season, though, as he was sidelined during the second half of the season with a broken collarbone.

Bradford, meanwhile, was the No. 1-overall pick by the Rams during the 2010 NFL Draft, but in five seasons has managed to play in all 16 regular-season games only twice.

The 2008 Heisman Trophy winner has not seen the field since Week 7 of the 2013 season, tearing his ACL on two separate occasions.

In 49 career starts, Bradford has thrown for 11,065 yards, 59 touchdowns and 38 interceptions.


NEW YORK GIANTS

Headline:Giants Announce The Signing Of Five Players, Including Running Back Shane Vereen

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The Giants announced on Thursday the signing of five players: Vereen, offensive tackle Marshall Newhouse, wide receiver Dwayne Harris, linebacker Jonathan Casillas and linebacker J.T. Thomas III.

What this means for the Redskins:Vereen is the most notable player on this list, as the former Patriots draft pick appeared in 42 games with New England.

During the 2014 season – the first in which he appeared in all 16 regular-season games – the California product recorded 96 carries for 391 yards and two touchdowns, while also hauling in 52 receptions for 447 yards and three touchdowns.

Vereen's versatility is exactly what Giants general manager Jerry Reese said he wanted in free agency.  

Newhouse – a fifth-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft -- has appeared in 62 games with the Bengals and Packers.

Harris, meanwhile, has some familiarity with the Redskins, as he spent his first four seasons with the Cowboys, mostly as a return specialist.

Casillas is joining Vereen in the move from New England to New York, as the six-year veteran played for the Patriots last season.

Thomas III, meanwhile, spent the last two seasons with the Jaguars after being drafted by the Bears.


DALLAS COWBOYS

Headline:Cowboys Lose Several Starters, Contributors Early In Free Agency

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Three days into free agency, and the Cowboys, the defending NFC East champions, have already lost six of their own: Murray, Harris, defensive tackle Henry Melton, linebackers Justin Durant and Bruce Irvin and offensive tackle Jeremey Parnell

What this means for the Redskins:The Cowboys knew they were going to lose at least a few of their players that helped them earn their first NFC East title since 2009, and through the first 48 hours of free agency, they have lost a total of six.

Murray, of course, is expected to join the Eagles, but Melton, Durant and Irvin combined for 81 games with the Cowboys.

Perhaps the biggest loss is Melton, who rebounded from a season-ending ACL tear suffered during Week 3 of the 2013 season to record five sacks.

Carter, meanwhile, appeared in 49 games for Dallas over a four-year span, recording 242 tackles and three sacks. 

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