NFL notes: All-Pro DeMarco Murray to join Eagles

DeMarco Murray got the money he wanted from his former team’s division rival.

The All-Pro running back agreed to a five-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. Murray’s deal was valued at $42 million, with $21 million guaranteed, according to a person familiar with the deal who spoke on condition of anonymity because terms weren’t disclosed.

Less than two hours later, the Eagles confirmed they had reached agreement on a three-year contract with former San Diego running back Ryan Mathews.

The tandem joins Darren Sproles and Chris Polk in a crowded backfield.

Murray helped the Cowboys win the NFC East title last season while rushing for a franchise-record 1,845 yards. He broke the Dallas record held by NFL career rushing leader Emmitt Smith and also set a league mark with eight straight 100-yard games to start the season.

Murray played with newly acquired quarterback Sam Bradford at Oklahoma. Bradford told reporters at his introductory news conference that he lobbied his former teammate to join him in Philadelphia.

“I called him. I’ve texted him. I’ve done everything,” Bradford said. “We’ve been in communication and I think if we could somehow land DeMarco, it would be a great pickup.

“Not only is he a great player, but he’s a great person. He’s a really great friend of mine, too. I really think that he could help this ballclub.”

The 27-year-old Murray turned down a four-year, $16 million offer from the Cowboys last fall and went on to become the AP Offensive Player of the Year. He played 16 games for the first time in 2014 after missing games with injuries in each of his first three years.

Colts waive Richardson

The Colts have waived running back Trent Richardson after two disappointing seasons following a trade that brought the former top-five draft pick from Cleveland.

Richardson rushed for 977 yards and six touchdowns in two seasons with Indianapolis. He played one snap in the playoff opener last season and was inactive in the divisional round against Denver.

Ravens retain Forsett

Justin Forsett has agreed to terms on a three-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens, who retain their leading rusher from 2014.

The 29-year-old Forsett, who began his career with the Seahawks, is coming off the finest season of his seven-year career. Thrust into a starting role after the Ravens released Ray Rice, Forsett ran for 1,266 yards and eight touchdowns.

Quick kicks

Former Pro Bowl tight end, and Cleveland Brown, Jordan Cameron has signed a two-year contract with the Miami Dolphins. … The Houston Texans signed safety Rahim Moore to a three-year deal worth about $12 million. The 25-year-old Moore comes off a strong season in Denver, where he had a career-best four interceptions and also made 50 tackles. … The San Francisco 49ers have re-signed quarterback Blaine Gabbert to a two-year contract while also releasing wide receiver Stevie Johnson a day after acquiring Torrey Smith. … The New Orleans Saints say they’ve agreed to sign free-agent cornerback Brandon Browner to a three-year contract and linebacker Ramon Humber to a two-year deal. The 30-year-old Browner has been a starter on the past two Super Bowl winners: the 2013 Seattle Seahawks and 2014 New England Patriots. … The Jacksonville Jaguars have released veteran defensive end Red Bryant, who was due a $500,000 roster bonus Sunday. … The Arizona Cardinals have released Lyle Sendlein, the team’s starting center for the past six seasons. … A day after saying goodbye to Darrelle Revis and Browner, the New England Patriots picked up cornerback Chimdi Chekwa, a 2011 fourth-round draft pick by the Oakland Raiders. New England also added defensive lineman Jabaal Sheard and linebacker Jonathan Freeny. … The Broncos signed defensive lineman Vance Walker to a two-year, $4 million deal. … The Chiefs released veteran wide receiver Dwayne Bowe and acquired former Pro Bowl offensive guard Ben Grubbs from the Saints for a fifth-round pick in this year’s draft. … The Browns have signed free agent quarterback Thad Lewis, one of 22 QBs to start a game for the franchise since 1999. … The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have bolstered their defense with a pair of free agents very familiar to coach Lovie Smith, signing safety Chris Conte and tackle Henry Melton. Both players played under Smith when he coached the Bears.