Chip Kelly

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly winks as he watchers the action on the field during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins in Landover, Md., Monday, Sept. 9, 2013. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

(Alex Brandon)

Here's to the future.

Before his signature was on a contract Thursday, free-agent running back and the defending offensive player of the year DeMarco Murray sipped smoothies with Eagles head coach Chip Kelly.

With one of Kelly's protein- and nutrient-infused concoctions, Murray got a taste (literally) of what it's going to be like in Philadelphia.

"I don't know what they put in these smoothies," a team employee joked to NJ Advance Media on Thursday, shortly after Murray's arrival. "But I think we just had some people fly all the way from Dallas to try some smoothies."

No word on Murray's favorite flavor or ingredients, but that's no surprise: Just about everything about the smoothies remains secret, the recipes guarded by Kelly's sports science department. Nevertheless, the drinks — mandatory for players after practices — were tasty enough to get Murray to sign a five-year deal with $21 million worth of guarantees.

Still, you have to figure nothing was more delcious than stealing the NFL rushing champion from the rival Dallas Cowboys.

Here's a roundup of everything you need to know from a hectic Thursday at the Novacare Complex that culminated in the Eagles' biggest splash of free agency:

WATCH: Murray touches down in Philadelphia and enters the Novacare Complex for the first time.

How did the Eagles convince Murray to leave the Cowboys? This is how the deal came together.

ECKEL: By poaching DeMarco Murray away from the Dallas Cowboys, the Eagles are now favorites to win the NFC East.

Do the Eagles have a better chance to win the Super Bowl than the Cowboys? DeMarco Murray thinks so.

Ryan Mathews: Running back believes the Eagles' backfield will be special.

Chip Kelly called DeMarco Murray to recruit him, according to Murray's father.

Matt Lombardo may be reached at MDLombardo@yahoo.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattLombardo975. Find NJ.com Philadelphia Sports on Facebook