Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie said the team traded running back LeSean McCoy to the Bills and replaced him with DeMarco Murray because Murray better fits Chip Kelly's system, reports Eagles 24/7.
"We’ve been talking about the asset value of LeSean for a long time because he wasn’t the style of runner that Chip prefers, but a great player," Lurie said.
"Getting players that fit more of what he’s all about in terms of their style of play. LeSean McCoy is a great running back -- all-time franchise leader. Great guy in every way. To maximize his power spread offense, he’s always admired the one-cut runners. That’s what he admired.
"You’ve gotta let a coach try to bring in the players that fit best what he’s all about to maximize what he’s trying to accomplish. It really boils down to that. You have a decision as an owner: Do you want to fight that? Or do want to adopt it? I went all out to try and get Chip as the coach, and I’m really happy we did. He’s got a great potential future, and I’m happy to be able to provide him the resources to be able to maximize what he’s all about."
The Eagles also signed running back Ryan Mathews in free agency, who is closer in style to Murray than McCoy.