Tennessee Titans v Miami Dolphins

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - OCTOBER 09: DeMarco Murray #29 of the Tennessee Titans rushes during a game against the Miami Dolphins on October 9, 2016 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

(Mike Ehrmann)

This past offseason, when the Eagles seemingly tried to trade away anybody that had anything to do with former head coach Chip Kelly, the team shipped running back DeMarco Murray to the Tennessee Titans.

That deal happened after another one fell through.

Speaking to the Star-Telegram, Murray revealed that he was nearly traded back to the Dallas Cowboys this past offseason, and that he was nearly totally sure the return to Dallas would happen.

"It was, like, 95 percent sure I was going to come back there," Murray said in a phone interview. "I have a lot of respect for those guys -- the Jones family, Will [McClay], coach [Jason] Garrett obviously and [Tony] Romo and Wit [Jason Witten], all those guys. I still consider them a great franchise, and they're great friends of mine."

Ultimately, the Eagles decided to trade Murray to the Titans so he wouldn't be in the NFC East.

Murray had a disappointing season with the Eagles, finishing with 702 yards on 193 carries, his first and only season with the team after signing a four-year, $42 million deal.

Murray didn't hide the fact that he wanted out of Philadelphia.

"I was very involved in the talks," Murray said. "Once the season ended, I talked to [new Eagles coach Doug] Pederson a little bit. My heart just wasn't there. I felt it was a situation where I needed a fresh start, and I was granted that by [Eagles executive vice president] Howie [Roseman] and [owner] Jeffery [Lurie], who is a great guy. Really good people. I was fortunate to have that relationship with them, so I could tell them, 'This is where it is. I think it would be best for both sides if I find a new home.' "

Murray's comment directly contradicts what he said after the season, when rumors were swirling he wanted out of Philadelphia and to go back to Dallas.

"I do, I do [want to be back]," Murray said of staying in Philadelphia back in February. "Obviously, it's something for me, that's not the lasting impression I want to leave in my mouth and the fans and my family, anyone. I take football very, very serious, it's my life. I love it, besides my family and my faith, obviously. I never want to leave off on a note like I did last year, so I'm working tremendously harder to try and improve from an individual standpoint and a team standpoint as well."

Murray got his wish to get out of Philadelphia, but he didn't end up in Dallas. He has 461 yards on 93 attempts with three touchdowns for the Titans.

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Eliot Shorr-Parks may be reached at eshorrpa@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @EliotShorrParks. Find NJ.com Sports on Facebook.