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Giants Rumors: New York Interested In Eddie Lacy, Latavius Murray

By Maxwell Ogden

Sep 11, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy (27) runs with he ball as Jacksonville Jaguars outside linebacker Telvin Smith (50) and defensive end Yannick Ngakoue (91) defends during the first half at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy (27) runs with he ball as Jacksonville Jaguars outside linebacker Telvin Smith (50) and defensive end Yannick Ngakoue (91) defends during the first half at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Giants are actively pursuing an improved offensive unit. The newly reported targets are running backs Eddie Lacy and Latavius Murray.

The New York Giants have been one of the most active teams in the NFL during the early weeks of the 2017 offseason. That all started when New York parted ways with running back Rashad Jennings and wide receiver Victor Cruz.

Having replaced Cruz, it appears as though the Giants are now focused on acquiring a high-quality running back.

New York not only has to replace Jennings, but it must improve one of the worst running games in the NFL. It finished 2016 at No. 29 in rushing yards, No. 30 in yards per carry, and No. 32 in rushing touchdowns.

According to Art Stapleton of The Record, the Giants have expressed interest in free agent running backs Eddie Lacy and Latavius Murray.

Nothing is imminent, but New York is clearly focused on improving what was one of the least efficient offenses in the NFL in 2016.

Between 2013 and 2014, Lacy ran for 2,317 yards and 20 touchdowns, and amassed 77 receptions for 684 yards and four touchdowns. Weight issues and ankle injuries have limited his production and availability over the past two seasons, however, which has thus influenced his market value.

Having said that, he still managed 946 yards and five touchdowns from scrimmage in 2015, and averaged 5.1 yards per carry in 2016 before his injury.

As for Murray, he’s a 27-year-old running back who has steadily improved during his three-year career.

Murray picked up just 567 yards from scrimmage in 2014, but he’s achieved borderline star status in the two seasons that have followed. In 2015, he ran for 1,066 yards and six touchdowns, and picked up 232 yards on 41 receptions.

This past season, Murray ran for just 788 yards on 4.0 yards per carry, but amassed 264 receiving yards and picked up a career-best 12 rushing touchdowns.

Due to the Giants’ inability to find the end zone, it’s easy to see why a touchdown machine like Murray would be an attractive option.

Must Read: Reasons to love the Brandon Marshall signing

Nothing appears to be imminent on the free agency front, but New York Giants general manager Jerry Reese is weighing his options at running back.

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