New York Giants: Free Agent Latavius Murray Expected To Leave Oakland
The New York Giants are looking to improve at running back. Former Oakland Raiders standout Latavius Murray will be available for negotiations.
It’s no secret that the New York Giants are in the market for a running back. Paul Perkins has intriguing upside, but New York parted ways with starter Rashad Jennings and will need to fill his void.
On Sunday, Feb. 26, news pertaining to a coveted free agent may have created an opportunity for the Giants to capitalize on.
New York finished the 2016 NFL regular season with just 1,412 rushing yards—the fourth-worst mark in the NFL. It also ranked No. 30 with an average of 3.5 rushing yards per carry and finished dead last with just six rushing touchdowns.
In news that could interest Jerry Reese, Josina Anderson of ESPN reports that the Oakland Raiders are expected to let free agent running back Latavius Murray test the free agent waters.
I'm told #OAK expects to let RB Latavius Murray go into FA. Source: "The door will remain open for a posb return after he tests his market."
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) February 26, 2017
For a Giants team in dire need of a running back, this creates intriguing potential.
Murray broke out in 2015 with 1,066 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, as well as 41 receptions for 232 receiving yards. He followed with another strong showing in 2016, recording 1,052 yards from scrimmage and 12 rushing touchdowns.
Though his 788 rushing yards and 4.0 yards per carry may not be awe-inspiring, he has a nose for the end zone and 74 receptions over the past two seasons.
Eli Manning would benefit from having a player who can both finish drives and make plays out of the backfield.
Murray, 27, is in the prime of his career and has missed just three games in his three NFL seasons. He may or may not be a star-caliber running back, but he’s the type of versatile playmaker who could perfectly complement Paul Perkins.
No matter who gets the nod as the No. 1 running back, New York would conceivably receive consistent production from the position with the addition of Murray.
Must Read: Jerry Reese opened up about what he looks for in a free agent
The New York Giants may utilize the draft to fill the void at running back, but if free agency is the preference, then Latavius Murray will be available.